Going Nuts for More Bees: Factors Influencing California Almond Pollination Fees

Brittney K. Goodrich and Jennie L. Durant

from ARE Update Vol. 24, No. 1, Sep/Oct, 2020

View Article PDF: Going Nuts for More Bees: Factors Influencing California Almond Pollination Fees

Abstract

Due to low almond prices, 2021 pollination expenses will be scrutinized. Using grower survey data, we find the following were associated with higher pollination fees and potential benefits for growers: contracting with a pollination broker compared to a beekeeper, an out-of-state beekeeper compared to one in California, and high colony strength compared to low-strength requirements.

Keywords

Pollination contracts, colony strength, honey bees, pollination market

Citation

Brittney K. Goodrich and Jennie L. Durant. 2020. "Going Nuts for More Bees: Factors Influencing California Almond Pollination Fees." ARE Update 24(1): 5-8. University of California Giannini Foundation of Agricultural Economics.
https://giannini.ucop.edu/filer/file/1602534880/19839/