Abstract:
The objective of this study was to examine the current status and development of the beekeeping sector in Turkey and
in the world during the 2000-2013 period. Whereas honey production in the world was 1.3 million tons during the 2000-
2002 period, it increased by 31% reaching 1.7 million tons in 2013. China is ranked number one in the world with a
share of 27%, whereas Turkey is ranked number two with a share of 6%. Turkey is followed by Argentina, Ukraine and
Russia in order. When the significant honey producing countries in the world are compared with respect to their shares
among the world colony existence, it can be observed that China is ranked number one with a ratio 22%, India is ranked
second with a share of 14% and Turkey is ranked number three with a share of 8%. 35% of all honey produced in the
world is exported. Whereas world honey export was 380 thousand tons during the 2000-2002 period, it increased by
53% reaching 583 thousand tons in 2013. China is ranked number one in the world for honey export with a share of
21% and Argentina is ranked number two with a share of 11%. Whereas Turkey is ranked number 26 in the world with
a 1% share of world honey export. Low honey export in Turkey is due mostly to the fact that the majority of the
produced honey is consumed domestically. When world honey import is examined, it can be observed that the USA is
ranked number one with a share of 27% followed by Germany (15%). Honey consumption average per capita is 0.20
kg/year. Countries in the world with the highest honey consumption per capita are Central African Republic (3.5
kg/year), Switzerland (1.5 kg/year), Greece (1.4 kg/year) and Turkey (1.3 kg/year). The most important problems
related with beekeeping in Turkey can be listed as; productivity, quality and accordance with international standards.
