The Mexican Beekeeping Agri-food System: A descriptive analysis

Abstract

Objective: Perform a descriptive analysis of the historical and current situation of honey production in Mexico, using national and international statistical information.

Design/methodology/approach: The Food Balance Sheet, obtained from the FAOSTAT website and livestock production statistics in Mexico, retrieved from the SIAP website was used. 10 variables were chosen; production, import, export, per capita consumption, number of hives, volume of production, economic value, price paid to producer, yield and unit income. The analysis consisted of the description of variables in the last year of registration at a global and local level, as well as the changes and trends according to the available historical records.

Results: In 2019, Mexico was the ninth producing country with 64,000 t, with the capacity to export about 50%. Between 2006 and 2016 the number of hives increased by 6%, while production volume and yield decreased by 1.6% and 7.5% respectively. On the contrary, the economic value, the price paid to the producer and the unit income increased 14, 5.7 and 8.5% respectively.

Limitations on study/implications: This type of study depends on the records of the statistical information systems that may change depending on the variable.

Findings/conclusions: The apiculture develops throughout the country, causing Mexico to be self-sufficient in the national consumption of honey, and maintain a participation in the international market. Therefore, it presents optimization opportunities especially in the central and northern part of the country where the number of hives and the volume of production are the lowest.