Structure of the U.S. beekeeping industry: 1982-2002

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Economics
• Apiculture Studies
• U.S. Farm Demographics

Background:

• The beekeeping industry has undergone substantial structural changes over the past 25 years.
• Colony inventory declined over 20% and the number of apiculture farms fell over 70% between 1982 and 2002.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the structural shifts in the U.S. beekeeping industry.
• To identify trends in farm size, geographic distribution, and economic characteristics of beekeeping enterprises.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of U.S. Census of Agriculture data from 1982 to 2002.
• Examination of farm numbers, colony inventory, sales data, and operator demographics.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in the number of small beekeeping farms (<25 colonies), indicating a consolidation into larger operations.
• Geographic concentration of beekeeping farms in Appalachia, Corn Belt, and Northeast, while colony shares are highest in Pacific, Northern Plains, and Mountain states.
• Most apiculture farms have low sales (<$50,000), with only a third reporting apiculture as the primary sales source. Beekeepers are predominantly older white males, often working off-farm.

Conclusions:

• The U.S. beekeeping sector is characterized by fewer, larger farms and a demographic profile similar to other farmers.
• Economic viability appears challenging for many beekeeping operations, with a notable portion of operators relying on off-farm employment.