Perception study regarding organic beekeeping in the North-West region of Romania

Abstract

In the context of European honey markets, the Romanian market is considered as one of the most powerful, with a rate of 100% self-supply and multiple export opportunities. The Romanian beekeeping sector, characterized by a fast dynamic during 2000-2010, has adapted to current trends, responding in this way to the growing demand for the production of organic products, necessary for a healthy lifestyle. The first organic beekeepers were registered in 2000 and their number reached 1018 in 2009. Starting from these data, the present research is based on a perception study on organic beekeeping in the North West of Romania, the study being a part of a complex analysis of the beekeeping chain, carried out within the postdoctoral research project “A technical and economic analysis of the beekeeping in the North West Region of Romania in order to ensure the sustainable development of the beekeeping chain”. The results of the present study show that the vast majority of beekeepers agree with the principles of organic beekeeping and more than half admit that they are aware of the costs that this type of beekeeping entails. Organic beekeeping, as a particular orientation towards a certain set of principles that guide the production of honey, is in its early stage in Romania. The support of this type of beekeeping is done through various forms: supporting a percentage of the fee for inspection and certification by NRDP measures, through the National Beekeeping Program as well as the national export strategy.