Products and uses

Production honey from agroforestry systems

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Designing and managing agroforestry systems for honey production

The honey bee (Apis mellifera) belongs to the forest ecosystems, although in recent years its breeding has mainly focused on agriculture areas. The presence of bees ensures pollination, increased biodiversity and the production of economically interesting bee products. Honeybees are active and effective pollinators for many crops, so integration of beekeeping in agroforestry system can increase crop yield dramatically. Bees are believed to pollinate more than 80 % of all crops and are one of the most important organisms on Earth. Beekeeping can be a desired diversification of agroforestry systems with ecological, economic and societal value.
For centuries, beekeeping has been a traditional craft that can be realized in almost all types of agroforestry systems. Moreover, it is a very useful and beneficial activity in these multifunctional systems. Agroforestry systems create a safe environment for bees as well as human activities. For beehives, it is advisable to search or create systems with flowering flowers from March to August. Ideal are early pollen rich tree species such as willow, hazel and alder. Consequently, deciduous trees such as wild cherry and fruit trees such as apple trees, cherries, pears and other fruit trees. Interesting are also linden stands. Another desired element in terms of bee breeding is the production of honeydew (by-product of aphids) on deciduous (maple, linden) and coniferous trees (spruce, fir). However, this is not a regular resource. Although the spread of invasive plants is not a desirable state of ecosystems, their presence is an important honey-producing and pollen source for bees. Especially, acacia stands are a source of quality honey. Another source are forest shrubs such as raspberry and blackberry. The location of hives with bees is suitable in the less used part of the agroforestry system. Beehives require stands and besides marking the beehive fencing is required. This is particularly desirable in areas with brown bears, where special beekeeping fences are needed. Work on the apiary is intensive especially in the months of March to September. In recent months it is necessary to carry out control on the apiary and prepare the equipment for the new season.
Beekeeping requires a large amount of beekeeping equipment, which can be divided into three main categories:
  1. apiary equipment,
  2. tools for processing bee products and
  3. beekeeper's workroom tools.
Today's market provides a large number of beekeeping equipment suppliers. In general, a larger apiary requires more powerful equipment. Beekeeping has a very high costs at the beginning. After purchasing the equipment, apiary maintenance is already at a lower overhead cost.
The main beekeeping season is bound to the climatic conditions of the territory. In the temperate zone it is the season from April to August. The later months of September to October can still be used for the last controls and treatment of bees. Winter months is a period of preparation for the new season. During the season, the frequency of work on the apiary is at regular intervals (approximately once a week). However, the total length of work depends on the size of the apiary and the frequency of work may increase. Out of season, work on the apiary is reduced to a minimum and this work is only basic control.
Economic returns are declining due to climate change. However, it is still possible to generate sufficient profit from beekeeping. Thus, an initial cost of an apiary with 20 families of at least € 8,000 can be envisaged. In the next years, the costs will go primarily to treatment and winter feeding, which will significantly reduce costs. Economic returns may be from the sale of honey, wax, pollen, royal jelly or the sale of bee venom. Counting yields has been difficult mainly in recent years, but yields of, for example, € 5,600 per year from honey sales alone can be expected.
Beekeeping is widespread throughout Europe. However, that most beekeepers are mainly in agricultural land. Forest systems are used less, so there is a suitable connection with agroforestry systems. An example is the apiary Bee kRaj in Liešnica near Kokava nad Rimavicou  (Slovakia). This is an area, where is the prevalence of permanent grassland along with mixed beech-spruce forest. The apiary has been operating since 2013 and is currently with 30 bee families. For regional conditions, the apiary must offer at least 150 families, and then it may be the main source of income. Apiary Bee kRaj has a combined model of production and educational apiary. It offers educational programs for children and adults, for laymen and professionals. Honeys are mainly from forest ecosystems, while spring honey is made from willow and fruit trees. The main production is from raspberry and blackberry, later from linden. Complementary production is mainly made of meadows and honeydew, but not every year.

Mr Michal Pástor
National Forest Centre, Forest Research Institute
T. G. Masaryka 22
960 01 Zvolen
Slovakia
michal.pastor@nlcsk.org