The value of bee pollination can be estimated as: unit value of the crop x increased crop resulting from pollination say $ 1 per kg x increase of 50 kg per hectare = $ 50 per ha or total value of crop x proportion attributable to pollination say $ 300 per ha x 30 % = $ 90 per ha Fruit growers likely have a good idea of the proportion (although they might understate it) since they ask for pollination services. Although these may be the value of pollination, the pollination fee is affected by the market (hive supply, beekeeper's options). A base value may be the value of the beekeeper's time in moving hives to the pollination site, considering how the colonies will do there, relative to leaving them where they are. regards Kerry Clark, Apiculture Specialist B.C. Ministry of Agriculture 1201 103 Ave Dawson Creek B.C. V1G 4J2 CANADA Tel (604) 784-2225 fax (604) 784-2299 INTERNET [log in to unmask]