Evaluation of the Pollination Ecosystem Service of the Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Based on a Beekeeping Model in Hungary

Apiaries must be ecologically and economically sustainable to provide pollination as a unique ecosystem service. Pollination an service is economically, socially, environmentally irreplaceable. Therefore, it essential improve the profitability of beekeeping activities, which are mainly carried out in rural areas. With this mind, main objective article assess one services provided by bees, based on specificities Hungarian honey production. The authors’ analysis apiary with 300 colonies active migratory beekeeping. model farm produces wide variety thanks its beekeeping, visiting several bee pastures during season. This paper presents approach quantify bees (Apis mellifera) using two economic valuation methods (productivity change surrogate market goods) belonging family cost-based valuation. results monetary can starting point for further research help decision-makers farmers calculate fair “pollination fee” beekeepers, will significantly beekeepers maintain important beneficial activity all us.