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
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