COMVIISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
C0M(94) 256 final 
Brussels, 24.06.1994 
COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL 
ANP THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 
Discussion paper 
on 
European apiculture 
1. Situation of apiculture 
1.1. At world level 
1.1.1. Production 
1.1.2. Trade 
1.1.2.a. Exports 
1.1.2.b. Imports 
1.2. In the European Union 
1.2.1. Supply balance 
- Consumption 
1.2.2. Structure of production 
1.2.2.a. Global figures 
1.2.2.b. Production by type of honey 
1.2.2.C Production costs 
1.2.3. Structure of market 
1.2.3.a. Characteristics of market 
1.2.3.b. Distribution 
1.2.3.C Prices 
- producer prices 
- import prices 
1.2.3.d. Access to the market 
2. Support measures for apiculture 
2.1. Measures taken in the past 
2.1.1. Aid for purchase of sugar 
2.1.2. Aid by number of hives 
2.1.3. Financing varroasis control 
2.1.4. Financing of research into bee diseases 
2.2. Current measures 
2.2.1. Structural measures 
2.2.1.a. Structural adjustment 
2.2.l.b. Regional measures 
2.2.2. Quality support 
2.2.3. Specific measures 
3. Problems and requirements of the sector 
4. Outlook and proposals 
4.1. Outlook 
4.2. Proposals 
i€* 
Discussion paper 
on apiculture 
1. Situation of apiculture 
Apiculture, of which honey is the main product, is an activity 
interdependent with agriculture. At world level the development of 
apiculture and its economic importance vary according to climate, flora, the 
heterogeneity of the sector, internal demand, market characteristics and 
other economic factors. 
1.1. Situation at world level 
Asia is the world's main producer region, with China as the biggest 
contributor. China is the world's main exporter and the European Union is 
the principal importer. 
1.1.1. Production 
According to figures published by the FAO (table 1) world honey production 
totalled 1 164 000 tonnes in 1992. Production rose by 20% between 19 82 and 
1992 (figure 1). 
The European Union ranks third as a world honey producer (126 000 tonnes), 
following the ex-USSR (231 000 tonnes) and China (192 000 tonnes). Among the 
other large honey producers of the world (table 2) are the United States 
(95 000 tonnes), Mexico (48 000 tonnes) and Argentina (61 000 tonnes). 
1.1.2. Trade 
World trade accounts for 25% of total honey production in the world. 
Generally speaking, the percentage of production exported from each country 
depends not only on world demand but also on factors such as domestic 
demand, honey quality, the characteristics of demand on external markets, 
the need for foreign exchange in the exporting countries and the world 
monetary situation. 
1.1.2.a. Exports 
World exports of honey totalled almost 300 000 tonnes in 1992 (table 3a). 
China exported 48% of its honey production, representing 32% of total world 
trade (table 3a). 
The main markets for Chinese natural honey exports are, in order of 
importance, Japan, the United states and the European Union (table 3b). 
The Community market receives 27% of all Chinese exports, the German and 
British markets absorbing most of them. 
The other main exporters are Argentina and Mexico, which each export most of 
their production (respectively 90% and 75% in 1992). 
1.1.2.b. Imports 
World imports have increased steadily since the end of the seventies 
(figure 3). The main reasons for the growth are as follows: 
increased demand for natural products and health foods 
more dynamic marketing policies of certain packers and distributors for 
introducing special honeys or for expanding consumer demand by cutting 
prices, usually involving the sale of blended honeys 
improved living standards and changing eating habits in certain 
countries, transforming traditional exporters into importers 
increased demand for honey for industrial use in certain countries. 
Between 1982 and 1992 world imports rose by 20%. The world's biggest import 
market is the European Union, which accounts for 48%. Germany 
(86 000 tonnes) and the United Kingdom (22 000 tonnes) accounted for 75% of 
the total quantity imported into the European Union in 1992 (table 8). 
The other large honey import markets are the United states and Japan, which 
represented 17% and 11% respectively of all world imports in 1992. 
1.2. Situation in the European Union 
The structure of the European beekeeping industry is heterogeneous in terms 
of production and marketing. The figures provide some indication of the 
present situation, which is marked in particular by high production costs, 
competition from the world market and damage resulting from disease. 
1.2.1. supply balance 
The European Union has always produced too little honey for its needs, 
generally importing more than half the volume of domestic consumption. The 
self-supply rate rose above 50% for the first time in 1989/90. 
According to estimates sent to the Commission by the Member states, the 
three leading honey producers in the European Union are France, Germany and 
Spain, with output figures of 36 000, 25 000 and 25 000 tonnes respectively 
in 1991/92 (table 5). Honey production in the Union rose by 49% between 
1986/87 and 1991/92. 
However, the supply balance must be treated with caution, as an 
approximation, because the production figures are estimates partly based on 
the increased output due to the expansion of rape and sunflower production 
and partly affected by improved statistical methods. 
At the same time, imports of honey fell by 7% over the same period. 
Argentina became the main exporter to the Union, contributing 27% of all 
Community imports of honey in 1992, while Mexico moved to second place with 
21% and China to third place with 17% (table 8) (figure 4). 
Community exports to third countries amount to about 10 000 tonnes, 
representing only 4% of apparent human consumption in 1992 (table 10). 
The volume of intra-Community trade in honey amounted to 25 000 tonnes, or 
10% of human consumption, in 1992. 
- Consumption 
Average honey consumption in the Community remained stable between 1987 and 
1992. It is estimated at a total of about 250 000 tonnes, or 700 grams per 
inhabitant per year. In 1992 the Member States with the highest per capita 
honey consumption figures were Germany with 1.3 kg and Greece with 1.6 kg 
(table 5). 
The high level of honey consumption in Germany may be explained by the level 
of investment by honey distributors and packers in sales promotion and 
publicity. Both the major packing companies and smaller firms conduct 
regular promotional campaigns. 
In addition, the German beekeepers' association (Deutscher Imker Bund - DIB) 
has encouraged consumption of nationally-produced honey with publicity 
campaigns and strict monitoring of the conditions of production by its 
members. For instance, a beekeeper guaranteeing conditions of quality 
production can market his products under a prestige label. 
Greece is the other high consumer of honey in the Community, partly because 
of certain eating traditions (fasting during the Orthodox pre-Easter 
period). 
1.2.2. structure of production 
1.2.2.a. Global figures 
According to the data provided by the Member States and producers' 
organizations the total number of beekeepers in the European Union is 
435 000, of whom 13 000 are commercial1. 
According to COPA (Comité des Organisations Professionnelles Agricoles de 
la U.E.) and COGECA (Comité de la Coopération Agricole de l'UE) a 
beekeeper is classed as commercial if he has not less than 150 hives. 
Commercial beekeepers operate with more than three million hives, 
representing 42% of all the hives in the Community (table 6). According to 
the same data, five Member states account for more than one million hives, 
Spain having the highest number of all. 
As regards the number of commercial beekeepers in relation to the total 
number of beekeepers by Member State, the figures show the highest ratios in 
Spain (22%) and Greece (13%). By contrast the lowest ratios are found in 
Germany (0.4%), Italy (1.3%), Portugal (2%) and France (3%). 
The average size of a commercial bee farm differs considerably, ranging from 
272 hives in Spain, through 257 hives in Greece to 176 hives in France. 
Commercial beekeepers are concentrated in three Member States, with Spain 
accounting for 34% of the total number, France 23% and Greece 23%. 
These data must also be interpreted with caution, as an approximation, 
because of the fact that possible links between commercial beefarming and 
other economic activities in the farming sector are not taken into 
consideration. 
1.2.2.b. Production by type of honey 
Generally speaking, two thirds of all honey produced is multifloral, and one 
third monofloral (various types). But, according to the views of the Member 
States and beekeepers' associations, production should in some cases be 
differentiated by botanical variety. For instance, in Greece 60% of honey is 
produced from fir or thyme, in Portugal 50% is derived from lavender. In 
Spain and France, honey production may be broken down in accordance with the 
general rule if honey from rape and sunflower is included in the multifloral 
category (table 7). 
In Germany and Greece, the fact that a high percentage of honey production 
is differentiated according to botanical source and that consumption figures 
are higher than elsewhere may be seen as a positive outcome of the tendency 
of consumers to identify the botanical origin of honey as a consequence of 
promotional campaigns or traditional eating preferences. 
1.2.2.C Production costs 
A survey of production costs and income for a standard bee farm of 2 00 hives 
has been carried out with the assistance of the beekeepers' associations. 
The breakdown of costs makes a distinction between variable costs, overheads 
and costs linked to depreciation, in accordance with the guidelines of the 
Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN). 
Provisional results from the survey show that variable costs are covered by 
sales earnings (honey) in all Member States. But positive margins are 
significant only in Denmark and Italy. Full analysis of the sector requires 
more detailed data on the structure of sales and prices, marketing costs, 
secondary income from products other than honey, and accounting results of 
existing bee farms. 
1.2.3. Structure of market 
The honey market is influenced by the characteristics of the products 
offered to consumers and industry, by the marketing networks and conditions 
of access to markets. Competition between Community-produced honey and 
imported honeys has a certain impact on honey prices. 
1.2.3.a. Characteristics of market 
The honey market is composed of two very distinct products, table honey and 
industrial honey. 
Table honey is used for household consumption, mainly for spreading on 
bread. It is also used as a sweetener in culinary preparations, drinks and 
home-baked cakes and pastries. 
Most honey consumption falls in this category. It is estimated that 85% of 
all honey marketed is table honey. 
The consumer's appreciation of table honey is based on origin, colour, 
texture and botanical variety. 
A light colour and liquid texture are generally more highly esteemed by the 
consumer than darker colours and creamy or crystallized textures. Incorrect 
consumer information may lie at the root of this scale of preference in that 
a crystallized texture or dark colour is generally associated with a lack of 
freshness. Domestically-produced honey is also more highly valued than 
imported honeys. 
As regards botanical variety, the most widely sold honey is multifloral, 
which is also the cheapest. Sales of honey identified by botanical variety 
are confined to connaisseur consumers who prefer to pay a higher price for 
honey presenting organoleptic or therapeutic characteristics associated with 
a particular botanical species. 
Industrial honey is used as a sweetening agent by the food industry (baking, 
confectionery, cereals, beverages) and by the pharmaceuticals and cosmetics 
industries, and tobacco production. Despite the advent of cheaper 
substitutes, honey continues to be used in certain food products, both 
because of the particular flavour it confers on the food or because of the 
value added to the product by the inclusion of honey as an ingredient on the 
label. 
The markets for industrial honey vary in size from one country to another, 
with a Community average of 10-15% of the total market. Italy is the Member 
State with the highest percentage (40%) of honey marketed for industrial 
use. 
Table honey competes with other spreads such as jellies, jams, syrups and 
artificial honey. The average consumer is attracted by the lower prices of 
such products, without paying much heed to the specific nutritional value of 
natural honey. 
Industrial honey competes with other substitutes such as sugar, invert sugar 
syrup and corn syrup. The low cost of these substitutes induces certain food 
manufacturers to use them, especially when flavour is not a crucial factor 
in the end product. However, certain food manufacturers still find it 
advantageous to use honey in order to include it as an ingredient on the 
label. 
1.2.3.b. Distribution 
The European honey market is represented by packers, importers and industry. 
A growing number of packers prefer to import some honey directly. After 
packing, honey reaches the consumer via the usual food distribution channels 
(figure 5). 
Generally speaking, those playing an active role in the chain of honey 
distribution are as follows: 
Producer-packers: beekeepers with facilities for making and packing 
honey. They sell directly to the consumer or to groups of retailers. They 
usually belong in the small business category and do not market imported 
honey. 
Packer-cooperatives: groups of beekeepers which buy, make, pack and 
market honey, often under their own label. They sometimes buy imported 
honey. 
Packers : operators buying honey from beekeepers and importers. They 
have their own label but may also pack for other brands. They sell to the 
retail trade and to industry. 
Importers: operators buying honey in producer countries, dealing with all 
the relevant administrative aspects and delivering honey to their 
customers (packers or industry). 
Industry: industrial users generally buy honey from importers to avoid 
dealing with the financial and administrative problems attached to 
importation. They focus on the quality of the product, some industrial 
users import directly on a sporadic basis. 
At present there are no figures on distribution in all Member states, but 
the situation can be illustrated by a few examples. 
In Germany 7 5% of output is sold directly by the bee farmer to the consumer 
or retailer. By promotional campaigns and advertising, the national 
beekeepers' association has created a quality image for German honey on a 
market largely dominated by imported honey (20% home-produced vs. 80% 
imported). In addition to strict quality control of members' products the 
association organizes honey marketing by its members in a standard 
presentation with a label which carries a printed control number so that the 
producer of any pot of honey sold on the market can be traced at any time. 
In addition, both packers and retailers conduct regular promotional and 
publicity campaigns. 
In France two thirds of honey production is sold directly by the beekeepers 
themselves. The biggest beekeepers' cooperatives pack mainly national honey, 
although some of them pack imported products. Industrial users obtain their 
supplies from importers, which were assigned quotas under a system of 
quantity restrictions applicable until early 1994 in France (see 1.2.3.d.). 
In Spain 75% of production is sold directly by beekeepers. The nougat 
(turrôn) industry accounts for most of the industrial honey consumption and 
obtains its supplies from importers or directly from foreign suppliers. The 
publicity campaign conducted by the biggest packing company between 1977 and 
1984 doubled the volume of consumption in the few years of its life. 
In the United Kingdom a large proportion of beekeepers sell their product 
directly to the consumer or to small packing firms. Imported honey passes 
through the hands of importers and is bought by packers which market it via 
the food distribution network. Industrial users obtain their supplies from 
importers too. 
In Italy most of the table honey market is supplied by domestic production. 
Industry accounts for 40% of the total market, most of the honey being used 
for the manufacture of nougat (torrone). Nationally-produced honey is packed 
by cooperatives and small beekeepers. 
1.2.3.C Prices 
- producer prices 
In general, producer prices move in inverse proportion to the overall volume 
of production, a rich crop increasing market supply and tending to bring 
prices down. 
The dissimilarity of marketing channels and the distribution sector as a 
whole makes price quotation very difficult and hence also the estimation of 
producer prices. 
Prices paid to producers seem to vary substantially from one Member State to 
another. The main differences between prices in the European Union as 
gleaned from the replies to the questionnaire sent to the authorities of the 
Member States and to the beekeepers' associations are attributable to the 
following factors: 
- dissimilarity of distribution and marketing chains 
- dispersion of supply 
- lack of correctly defined criteria for obtaining reliable statistics. 
In the past few years competition between domestic honey and imported honey 
has sharpened. Some neutral types of honey, easily blendable and imported at 
low cost, may influence national producer prices, especially in the case of 
multifloral honey. 
- import prices 
Import prices depend on the category of honey, the market of destination and 
the economic situation of the exporting country. Demand for honey on each 
market depends directly on the standard of living of the population, the 
economic circumstances of the population in general and local eating habits. 
Exporting countries may apply a policy of low cost honey supply according to 
their need for strong currency revenue. 
The monetary fluctuations of the dollar and German mark, the growing 
internationalization of trade, tariff and non-tariff barriers and the world 
economic situation are all factors which influence the dynamics of world 
trade in honey. 
Over the medium term the price of imported honey in the European Union has 
risen steadily, with an overall growth rate of 12% since 1988. The 
corresponding figure for Germany is 15%, for France 13% and for the United 
Kingdom about 11%. Import prices in the UK tend to be lower than the 
Community average (table 9). 
1.2.3.d. Access to the market 
The common customs tariff applicable in the European Union is 27% ad 
valorem. A reduced rate (-25%) is applied under the Generalized System of 
Preferences. Products originating in ACP countries signatory to the Lomé 
Convention and the least advanced developing countries have free access to 
the Community market. 
Signature of the GATT Agreement carries the obligation to open the market by 
a reduction in the customs tariff. The 36% cut in the tariff must be 
implemented progressively (6% annually) over a period of six years to arrive 
at a final tariff of 17.3% ad valorem by the year 2000. 
Until the first quarter of 1994 it was possible for Spain and France to 
apply quantitative restrictions to honey imports. This option has now been 
withdrawn since the replacement of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2 88/82 by 
Regulation (EC) No 519/942. Although the quantitative restrictions are no 
longer applicable, the new Regulation offers a safeguard clause enabling 
producers to be protected against serious damage resulting from competitive 
products from third countries. 
Furthermore, for imported honeys to be marketed in Community territory they 
must comply with the definitions and standards laid down in Council 
Directive 74/409/EEC on the harmonization of the laws of the Member States 
relating to honey3. 
This Directive must be revised by the Commission in the context of the 
rationalization and simplification of the Community rules required pursuant 
to the conclusions of the Edinburgh Council. 
But further thought should be given to the future tenor of the provisions of 
the Directive, particularly from the point of view of marketing standards. 
2. Support measures for apiculture 
Since the early days of the Common Agricultural Policy the European 
institutions have provided financial support from the Community budget for 
the beekeeping industry. Support measures have evolved with time, and 
certain specific aids are applied at present. 
2.1. Measures taken in the past 
Community support has evolved from the system of aid for the purchase of 
sugar in the seventies to the systems of aid per hive and aid for the 
control of bee diseases in the eighties. 
2 OJ L 67, 10.3.1994, p. 77. 
3 OJ L 221, 12.8.1974, p. 10 
10 
2.1.1. Aid for purchase of sugar 
In 1968 the Council adopted a system of aid for the purchase of denatured 
sugar for winter feeding. Denatured sugar could be made from stocks of 
bought-in sugar. The very high price of sugar on the world market during the 
period 1974-76 made the system unworkable. It was abolished in 19 80 and 
replaced by direct aid for the purchase of sugar by beekeepers' 
associations. 
At the end of the seventies, Community beekeeping went through a period of 
low yields, with honey production below average on account of bad weather. 
Given these circumstances and the reform of the common organization of the 
market in sugar in 1980 the Council did not think it expedient suddenly to 
discontinue all Community aid to the beekeeping industry. 
2.1.2. Aid by number of hives 
In 1981 the Council adopted Regulation (EEC) No 1196/81 establishing a 
system of aid for beekeeping during the marketing years 1981/82, 1982/83 and 
1983/844. The basic purpose of the system was to support beekeepers over a 
period of time sufficiently long to encourage the start of a process of 
long-term improvement and development of the sector. The direct aid was 
intended to compensate in the short term for the rise in sugar prices and 
unfavourable weather, while encouraging in the long term the implementation 
of programmes to improve and expand the sector. 
The aid was granted to beekeepers' associations in both cases. 
Beneficiaries were free to use the aid as they chose; the Council did not 
intervene to limit purchases of sugar and encourage more emphasis on 
development programmes. France was the only country which devoted more than 
50% of the aid to development measures. Programmes of improvement were 
implemented with the collaboration of the beekeepers' associations, the 
Institut technique d'Apiculture and the appropriate authorities. The 
measures formed part of a common programme covering training, research, 
marketing and disease prevention. The French approach can therefore be 
regarded as a good example of the way the aid was used to achieve the 
objective of long-term improvement. 
The Commission's report to the Council on the system of aid for beekeeping 
concluded that it was inadvisable, for economic reasons, to continue the 
system. It was proving costly because of the structure of the industry, 
comprising a large number of widely scattered eligible holdings, mostly 
farmed on a part-time basis. 
OJ L 122, 6.5.1981, p. 1 
11 
However, the report advocated aid for the industry in the form of specific 
measures such as research into bee diseases and agricultural structure 
policy measures. 
2.1.3. Financing of varroasis control 
Varroasis is the parasitic disease with the highest incidence in the 
beekeeping industry in the European Union. It is caused by the mite Varroa 
jacobsoni. Since the first cases were reported in Europe (Greece 1975) the 
disease has spread very rapidly and caused notable losses in the Community 
bee population. Classic eradication treatments used from the start have 
included destruction of hives by fire, standstill orders and the application 
of anti-pest chemicals. 
On the initiative of the European Parliament, the beekeepers' associations 
recognized as representative by the Commission received aid for varroasis 
control in 1986, 1987 and 1989. 
This financial measure was coordinated by a special working group comprising 
beekeeper»' representatives, scientists and experts. 
Community financing was used for: 
information and awareness campaigns on varroasis, and the possibility of 
financing authorized treatments, 
- surveys to determine the extent of infestation in each Member state, 
programmes of advice, training and information for beekeepers, 
a feasibility study of a joint EC-FAO programme to control varroasis in 
the Mediterranean basin. 
Before it was abolished, the direct aid scheme provided a framework for the 
first ad hoc programme of research into varroasis. Research contracts were 
signed with 12 institutes in seven Member States for the 1983/84 marketing 
year. 
2.1.4 Financing of research into bee diseases 
This first Community research programme for the control and eradication of 
varroasis was pursued under the 1984-89 agricultural research programme. The 
priority objectives were to establish a method of early diagnosis, to 
improve methods of application of treatments in conjunction with plant 
health products, to evaluate the effectiveness of known substances and new 
compounds in relation to their impact in various environmental contexts, the 
residue levels remaining in bee products and the possible influence of 
secondary infections in the development of the disease. 
12 
Eight research projects were selected for funding under the varroasis 
programme, for which ECU 365 000 was allocated. 
The Commission recently financed two technical seminars on varroasis in the 
United Kingdom and Belgium (1992 and 1993). 
At present, under the current food and agriculture research programme, a 
project has been submitted on the subject of varroasis-resistant bee 
breeding and farming. Four Community institutes would collaborate on the 
project. Two indirect objectives of the research would be to dispense with 
chemical treatments and thereby overcome the problem of residues in bee 
products. 
Any advancement of knowledge in these fields will inevitably have positive 
economic spinoff for beekeepers. 
2.2. Current measures 
Certain measures are currently in force in the context of general structural 
policy measures, quality protection and specific schemes. 
2.2.1. Structural measures 
Among the various measures adopted by the Council there are several which 
are likely to have a favourable impact on honey production and marketing. 
2.2.1.a. Structural adjustment 
In the context of Objective 5(a) structural measures beekeepers may apply 
for aid under the following Community regimes: 
1. Aid for investment in agricultural holdings (Title IV, Articles 5 to 9, 
of Regulation (EEC) No 2328/915) 
Aid is granted for investment related to the implementation of a "material 
improvement plan" (MIP). Article 11 of the same Regulation provides that 
young farmers are eligible for additional investment aid under the scheme. 
The value of the aid as a percentage of the total investment can be as much 
as 45% in less-favoured areas for fixed asset investment and 30% for other 
types; in other areas it amounts to 35% for fixed asset investment and 2 0* 
for other types. 
OJ L218, 6.8.1991, p. 1, as amended by Regulation (EC) No 3669/93 
(OJ L 338, 31.12.1993, p. 26). 
13 
Average investment per MIP totalled ECU 62 000 in 1991 in the Community, for 
a total number of 39 000 MIP approved for that year. 
2. Aid for mountain and hill farming and farming in less-favoured areas 
(Articles 17 to 20 of Regulation (EEC) No 2328/91) 
The purpose of the scheme introduced to compensate for natural handicaps is 
to upgrade areas used for farming (a prior condition being that the 
beneficiary must farm not less than 3 ha of agricultural land, or 2 ha in 
certain regions). As the system does not cover animal species such as bees, 
aid can only be obtained for planting honey-yielding crops to be used 
exclusively for feeding bees (in 1991 the average compensatory allowance in 
the Community was in ECU 63/ha). 
3. Aid for vocational training (Article 28 of Regulation (EEC) No 2328/91) 
This aid scheme is intended to raise the agricultural skill level of farmers 
receiving investment aid and young farmers. 
Aid is granted for the organization or attendance of full or ancillary 
agricultural training courses or job training and further training. 
Such expenditure is eligible for part-financing from the EAGGF Guidance 
Section, at a rate of ECU 8 457 per person, during his working life, with 
ECU 3 020 being reserved for courses relating to the environment, forestry 
and diversification. 
4. Start-up aid for producers' organizations {Regulation (EEC) No 1360/786j r% 
The general system to encourage the start-up of producers• organizations and 
associations was set up with the object of overcoming structural weaknesses 
in the supply and marketing of certain agricultural products. 
The general system includes honey in Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal. 
Start-up aid is intended to cover the effective costs of the setting-up and 
administrative operation of producers' groups* The aid may be paid, on a 
degressive basis, during the first, five years of operation of the group. It 
is equal to 5%, 5%, 4%, 3% and 2% of the value of production marketed, but 
must not exceed the effective costs as mentioned. 
For the honey industry, there are 49 approved producers* organizations in 
the Community {two in Spain, one in Greece and 4€ in Italy). 
6 OJ L166, 23.6.1978, p. 1, as amended by Regulation (EEC) No 764/93, OJ L 
77, 31.3.1993, p. 14. 
14 
5. Aid for the processing and marketing of agricultural products (Regulation 
(EEC) No 866/907) 
Under this aid system, Greece received almost ECU 0.5m from the EAGGF in 
1992-93 for investment projects relating to the modernization of three honey 
processing and packing firms. 
In the same period Italy received almost ECU 0.8m for investment projects 
concerning the restructuring of two honey processing centres and the 
setting-up of three new honey storage and processing centres. 
6. Aid to encourage agricultural production methods compatible with the 
requirements of environmental protection and maintenance of the countryside 
(Regulation (EEC) No 2078/928). 
This system of agri-environmental aid is implemented in the framework of 
multiannual zonal programmes. 
Programmes may include commitments pursuant to Article 2 of the said 
Regulation, of which the following could concern the beekeeping industry: 
extensification of crop production or maintenance of extensive methods 
already in practice (Article 2(b)) 
use of alternative production methods favourable to the environment, 
natural resources and maintenance of the countryside and landscape 
(Article 2(d)). 
The maximum amount of the annual premium is ECU 250/ha, the part-financing 
rate being 75% in Objective 1 regions and 50% in other regions. The 
financial contribution is charged to the EAGGF Guarantee Section. 
2.2.1.b. Regional measures 
To supplement the measures applicable across all the Member States, a number 
of specific measures have been implemented in Objective 1 and Objective 5(b) 
regions. Such measures are generally designed to develop apiculture by means 
of a sectoral approach at regional or local level. This geographical level 
is well suited to the situation of apiculture, which varies markedly 
according to the location and can therefore benefit from territorial 
development measures as well as measures applicable throughout the 
community. 
The measures implemented under Objective 1 and 5(b) programmes fall under 
the heading of agricultural diversification and are very varied: 
7 OJ L 91, 6.4.1990, p. 1, as amended by Regulation (EC) No 3669/93. 
8 OJ L 215, 30.7.1992, p. 85. 
15 
- studies on the possibilities of developing apiculture at local or regional 
level, 
- genetic improvement of local breeds, for example by creating improvement 
centres or centres for artificial insemination with improved seed, 
- increasing and improving production capacity, support for suitable forms 
of production (mobile hives), 
- training and organization of producers, 
- development of use in confectionery (honey, honey-based products with 
other ingredients) and industry (cosmetics, for example), 
- development of labels and quality marks, 
- marketing promotion aimed at distribution networks identified as bringing 
high returns (dietary products, para-medicinal products) 
Apiculture is also being developed through other measures concerning rural 
development, such as: 
- the creation of honey museums, to serve not only as tourist attractions 
but also as training centres and providers of technical assistance for 
beekeepers, 
- inclusion of apiculture among activities for farm tourism, 
- creation of sale points offering a range of local foodstuffs and craft 
products (including honey). 
Lastly, as part of the Community initiative LEADER, 25 local development 
groups (11 Spanish groups, 7 Italian groups, 5 Greek groups, 1 French and 1 
Portuguese group) have included activities similar to those mentioned above, 
as part of a local development strategy, many of which are notably 
innovative. 
2.2.2. Quality support 
Since 1985 thé Commission has sought to include quality as an integral 
policy objective of the CAP. Products covered by the policy could thus enjoy 
higher prices than those of mass-produced goods. 
This approach is applied in the context of the policy on rural development, 
encouraging the production of quality goods corresponding to internal market 
demand, as embodied in the following policy objectives: 
diversification of production with emphasis on the maintenance of 
regional or specific products 
promotion of characteristics which enhance the value of products 
provision of instruments for the certification and control of product 
characteristics 
consumer protection and information. 
In 1992 the Council adopted two regulations to implement this approach: 
Regulation (EEC) No 2081/92 on the protection of geographical indications 
and designations of origin for agricultural products and foodstuffs9 and 
Regulation (EEC) No 2082/92 on certificates of specific character for 
agricultural products and foodstuffs*", both of which can apply to honey. 
9 OJ No L 208, 24.7.1992, p. 1. 
10 OJ No L 208, 24.7.1992, p. 9. 
16 
These new rules provide for the use of special labelling information so that 
consumers realize that the products comply with the relevant Community 
criteria. 
The implementing mechanisms leave the initiative with the producers 
themselves, who may join voluntary systems and agree to observe certain 
conditions of production laid down in a specification. 
Designations of origin and geographical indications in the case of 
beekeeping products would apply to beekeepers operating in a fixed location 
or practising limited transhumance in a certain region. 
The system provides for a simplified and a normal registration procedure. 
Under the simplified procedure, some geographical indications for honey 
which are already protected in the Member States have been forwarded to the 
Commission for registration at Community level. Producers can always submit 
new applications for registration in accordance with the normal procedure 
(as in the case of honey production located in nature parks). 
Certificates of specific character may be used to enhance the value of honey 
produced and processed by traditional methods or honey presenting 
compositional characteristics which distinguish it from similar products of 
its category. To date the Member states have transmitted no applications 
concerning honey, but they are always free to do so. 
In this way the European Union adds Community distinction to the labelling 
and ensures that the marketed products concerned - including honey - meet 
the criteria laid down in the Community rules. 
2.2.3. Specific measures 
The European Union also finances two schemes which take account of the 
particular geographical location of certain community territories in terms 
of distance from agricultural and food product supply sources and conditions 
of agricultural production. 
In order to encourage the continuation of beekeeping as a traditional 
activity and source of additional income, aid has been granted for the 
production of honey of a specific quality under Council Regulations 
Nos 1601/92*1 and 2019/93*2 establishing specific measures for the Canary 
Islands and smaller Aegean Islands. 
11 OJ L 173, 27.6.1992, p. 13 
12 OJ L 184, 27.7.1993, p. 1. 
17 
The aid amounts to ECU 20 per hive, with a maximum of 5 000 hives for the 
Canary Islands and ECU 7-10 per hive with maxima of 100 000 and 50 000 hives 
in the Aegean Islands, depending on whether the beekeeper is a member of a 
producers* group recognized pursuant to Regulation (EEC) Mo 1360/78 on 
producer groups and associations thereof. 
3. Problems and requirements of the sector 
Beekeepers currently find themselves facing considerable difficulties, among 
which they are calling attention to the following: 
1. The absence of representative statistics on both the volume and the value 
of honey productions as well as market prices. Similarly, the prices paid 
by consumers and the prices paid to producers are not fixed using the 
same criteria. 
2. Profitability ia uncertain because the regular increase in production 
costs and the variation in yields per hive make it impossible for all 
commercial beekeepers to earn an adequate income. 
3. Community apiculture is in recession because of the drop in bee numbers 
and the competition from honey imported from countries where production 
costs are lower than in the European Union. 
In view of these difficulties, urgent action is called for to support 
European apiculture, particularly with regard to the following: 
A. a Community pollination grant payable to all beekeepers, both commercial 
and part-time, with a view to offsetting the costs of feeding bees during 
the winter; 
B. a grant to offset the loss of income caused by competition from imported 
honey; 
C. creation of a specific common organization of the market for honey, with 
simple management mechanisms; 
D. introduction of common marketing standards for honey, or amendment of 
Directive 74/409/EEC to take account of honey as an agricultural product 
rather than as a mere industrial product and in order to enhance the 
value of honey by introducing specific quality criteria and improving 
consumer information and transparency in trade. 
18 
4. Outlook and proposals 
4.2. Outlook 
The Commission has sent a proposal to the Council for the amendment of 
Regulation (EEC) No 827/68 on the common organization of the market in 
certain products listed in Annex II to the Treaty*3. The proposal provides 
for the simplest mechanisms for a market organization, such as application 
of the Common Customs Tariff and removal of national quantity restrictions, 
a safeguard clause, application of the competition rules laid down in the 
Treaty and free movement within the European Union. 
In practice, honey will be covered by a safeguard clause which will prevent 
any damage caused by imports of honey under abnormal conditions. 
With regard to intra-Community trade, account will be taken of the more 
restrictive national standards and national programmes of support for 
beekeeping which might hinder free competition. 
In fact, the latter point seems to be one of the strongest arguments put 
forward by several Member States when the proposal was examined by the 
Council. Some Member States currently operate various forms of regional aid 
schemes for beekeepers, such as pollination grants, grants for bee stock 
maintenance, training grants (table 11). 
However, national aids can be regarded as consistent with the Treaty 
provisions in the case of structural measures, measures to ensure 
environmental protection and disease control measures. 
Beekeeping is a branch of agriculture whose three main functions are to 
produce goods for the market, to contribute to ecological balance and to 
contribute to rural economic life and development. 
The productive role and the positive environmental contribution are 
interdependent and based on the pollinating activity of the bees. 
Despite the lack of representative data and comprehensive figures, the 
outlook appears fairly positive on the basis of the available information, 
which shows an upward trend for the volume of production, a stable level of 
imports and a slight increase in import prices, as well as stable 
consumption. 
Preliminary estimates show varying yields from one Member State to another, 
but on average they seem to be fairly similar to the general situation in 
agriculture. 
13 OJ No C 263, 9.10.1991, p.5 (COM(91)328 final). 
19 
The salient features of the industry seem to be the diversity of conditions 
of production, dispersion and heterogeneity of operators at the production 
and marketing stages. 
The cut in the customs tariff applicable since signature of the GATT 
Agreement could result in a more open honey market. 
Moreover, at the European Council in Edinburgh, the Heads of State or 
Government requested a simplification of the directive actually in force on 
the marketing of honey (Directive 74/409/EEC). 
In the past there have been various systems of support for apiculture, some 
direct others less so. At present there are research programmes in hand on 
bee diseases and some specific aid schemes for the more remote and insular 
Community territories. 
Lastly, there is already a range of structural measures which could be used 
to finance the development of the beekeeping industry, both in terms of 
production and marketing. 
4.2. Proposals 
Given the situation of the beekeeping industry in the European Union as a 
whole and present levels of knowledge it is not appropriate to set up a 
specific market organization for honey. Nor is it really feasible to devise 
a global system of support, such as income aids. 
However, apart from applying the structural instruments, it would be 
possible to propose a raft of measures to improve honey production and 
marketing in the medium term, within the context of a framework Council 
regulation on beekeeping. This could include the following: 
1. Improvement of the conditions of production by part-financing of national 
programmes implemented through the beekeepers' associations with the 
following objectives: coordinated control of varroasis and related 
diseases, rationalization of transhumance, creation of networks of 
regional beekeeping centres and research and development institutes for 
improvement of honey quality and genetic improvement of bees. 
2. A study, to be carried out by the Member States, of the structure of the 
industry, to include number of operators, output, the marketing sector 
and price formation. 
Aside from this programme, the Commission will draw up measures allowing the 
commercial beekeepers to implement a quality policy, notably: 
the definition of quality specifications for the different honeys 
resulting from their botanical or geographical origin, 
the development of harmonized methods of analysis to permit verification 
of such specifications. 
On all the latter points, having received the opinions delivered on this 
report, the Commission will submit to the Council appropriate proposals as 
soon as possible. 
TABLES 
1. World honey production by region 
2. World honey production by country 
3a. World honey exports 
3b. Exports by China 
4. World honey imports 
5. Honey supply balance 
6. Number of beekeepers 1992 
7. Honey production by type - 1992 
8. Honey: imports (EU) 
9. Honey: import prices (EU) 
10. Honey: exports (EU) 
11. Beekeeping: State aids 
GRAPHS 
Figure 1 World honey production 
Figure 2 World honey exports 
Figure 3 World honey imports 
Figure 4 Honey imports and production (EU) 
Figure 5 Structure of marketing 
X\ 
Table 1 
HORLD HONEY PRODUCTION BY REGION 
(• 000 t) 
1990 1991 1992 
Africa 
N. and Cent. America 
S. America 
Asia 
Europe (= continent) 
ex-USSR 
Oceania 
TOTAL io a} 
210| 
78 j 
332 j 
175 j 
236 j 
3-11 
! 
1 170 J 1091 
222 
87 
334 
168 
240 j 
29| 
1 189 112j 
210 
79| 
332 
174 
231 
281 
1 166 
Source: FAO 
,19-
Table 2 
WORLD HONEY PRODUCTION BY COUNTRY 
(' 000 t) 
China 
ex-USSR 
USA 
Mexico -
Turkey 
India 
Argentina 
Canada* 
Australia 
Bras il '•'•'"• 
Hungary 
cuba ' ••'• : ': i ; 
EU * r'r"" ^ "• 
WORLDS TOTAL t • 
î* o(» l i- J n • 1990 
147 
236 
90 
66 
51 
51 
57 
32 
21 
16 
17 
10 
116 
1 170 1991 
195 
240 
100 
69 
55 
51 
54 
32 
21 
17 
10 
10 
112 
1 189 1992 
192 
231 
95 
48 
55 
51 
61 
30 
20 
17 
10 
10 
126 
1 166 (1) 
(1) 
Source : FAO 
m Department of Agriculture 
figure 1 
r : ',ir-.' 
jfiqure 3 
1300 " 
800 ''iii' 
Wor*:; Figure 1 
WORLD HONEY PRODUCTION 
1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 
12> 
Table 3a 
WORLD HONEY EXPORTS 
(' 000 t) 
China 
Argentina 
Mexico 
ex-USSR 
USA 
Extra EU 
Intra EU 
WORLD TOTAL 1990 
88 
40 
44 
17 
6 
:••-.. 6 
.22 
! 
296 1991 
70 
47 
50 
9 
5 
8 
.18 
280 1992 
92 
55 
36 
6 
, 5 
?.. 1° 
- 1?' 
289 
Source : Fig 2 FAO .+ Comext • 
[WORLD HONEY EXPORTS 
.1 L I ! 
1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 
TabjLer~35~ — -
EXPORTS BY CHINA 
BY DESTINATION 
(' 000 t) 
Japan 
USA 
EU 
Other 
TOTAL 1990 
60 
12 
9 
7 
88 1991 
34 
20 
13 
3 
70 1992 
27 
25 
25 
15 
92 
Source: US Department of Agriculture 
Table 4 
WORLD HONEY IMPORTS 
(• 000 t) 
USA 
Japan 
China 
ex-USSR 
Canada 
Extra EU 
Intra EU 
WORLD TOTAL 1990 
35 
69 
3 
1 
3 
119 
25 
294 1991 
42 
39 
2 
1 
2 
131 
24 
275 1992 
52 
32 
3 
2 
1 
145 
23 
300 
Source : FAO + Comext 
Figure 3 
WORLD HONEY IMPORTS 
350 r-
300 
S 250 
o 
8 
T-" 200 
150 !- •' \. 
100 —J . 1..... 1 
1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 
Table $ 
HOMEY SUPPLY BALANCE 
EUR12 BLEU Dit 01 Hi ESP FR IRL IT NL PO UK 
1986/1987 
Usable production ('000 t) 
Total imports 
Total exports 
Intra-EC trade (imp.) 
Internal use 
- human consumption 
Human consumption (kg/person) 
Self-sufficiency (X) es 
144 
18 
223 J, 7 38 1 6 2 
2 
5 
J** 60 .0 6 
4 2 
87 
1,3 
18 12 
2 
0 
1 
14 
1,3 86 17 
9 
2 
0 
24 
71 2 
5 
33 
0,6 73 0,3 
0 7 
11 
0 
3 
18 
0,3 
39 8-3 0,4 
75 2 
25 
1 
1 
26 
I-5 
1987/1988 
Usable production ('000 t) 
Total imports 
Total exports 
Intra-EC trade (imp.) 
Internal use 
- human consumption 
Human consumption (kg/person) 
Self-sufficiency (X) 18 
223 
0,7 
41 0,5 
20 1,0 60 i! 
14 
1 
84 
1** 19 13 2 
0 1 
15 
1,* 87 n 
9 
2 
0 
29 
0,7 
76 (24) 
9 
2 
5 
31 
77 ,6 0,3 
0 7 
9 
0 
2 
16 
0,3 
44 0 
10 
2 
4 
§'5 0,4 
75 3 
23 
1 
1 
25 
0,4 
12 
1988/1989 
Usable production ('000 t) 
Total imports 
Total exports 
Intra-EC trade (imp.) 
Internal use 
- human consumption 
Human consumption (kg/person) 
Self-sufficiency (X) 136 
J 
20 
222 
0,? 42 A* 1,0 60 18 
86 
17 
2 
87 
21 1,5 0 1 
14 
i,3 
86 21 5 
2 
0 
24 
0,1 88 (25) 9 
? 
31 
0,8 
81 0,3 
0 8 
10 
0 
2 
18 
0,3 
44 V" 0,4 
75 3 
24 
1 
2 
26 
0,5 
12 
Sources: Eurostat (Cronos) 
() « Member States 
italics = DG VI estimates 
Table 5 (continued) 
HONEY SUPPLY BALANCE 
EUR12 BLEU DK OE ELL ESP FR IRL IT NL PO UK 
1989/1990 ~~ 
Usable production ('000 t) 116 1 3 29 12 21 (35) 0 8 0 3 4 Total imports 121 6 3 80 2 2 8 1 11 8 1 23 Total exports 6 2 116 0 4 4 0 0 2 0 1 Intra-EC trade (imp.) 23 2 0 4 10 4 0 3 5 0 2 Internal use - human consumption 231 5 5 93 14 19 39 1 19 6 4 26 
Human consumption (kg/person) 0,7 0,5 1,0 1,5 1,3 0,5 0,8 0,3 0,3 0,4 0,4 0,5 
Self-sufficiency (X) 50,2 20 60 31,2 85,7 110,5 89,7 0 42,1 0 75 15,4 
1990/1991 
Usable production ('000 t) 112,1 (0,2) 3 25 8 23 (35) 0,1 8 (0,8) 4 5 Total imports 131,7 6,4 3,5 87,8 2,2 1,9 7,1 1 11,8 8,9 0,5 26,4 Total exports 7,3 1 1 11,6 1,9 7,2 4,4 0,1 0,5 0,7 0 1 Intra-EC trade (imp.) 25,8 2,3 1,4 7,1 1,6 0,2 4,8 0,5 2,4 4,8 0 0,7 Internal use 
- human consumption 236,5 5,6 5,5 101,2 8,3 17,7 37,7 1 19,3 9,0 4,5 30,4 
Human consumption (kg/person) 0,7 0,5 1,1 1,3 0,8 0,5 0,7 0,3 0,3 0,6 0,5 0,5 
Self-sufficiency (X) 47,4 3,6 54,5 24,7 96,4 129,9 92,8 10 41,5 8,9 88,9 16,4 
1991/1992 
Usable production ('000 t) 126,7 (0,2) 3 (25) 14 25 (36) 0,1 (12) (0,8) (5,6) 5 Total imports 134,7 7,3 3,6 90 2,3 6,5 8,5 1,4 13 8,8 0,4 17 Total exports 9,4 1,5 1,5 12 0,3 7,1 5,1 0,1 0,4 0,6 0 0,9 Intra-EC trade (imp.) 24,1 1,9 1,4 3,4 1,6 1 6,5 0,6 2,4 4,6 0 0,7 Internal use 
- human consumption 252 6,0 5,1 103 16 24,4 39,4 1,4 24,6 9,0 6 21,1 
Human consumption (kg/person) 0,7 0,6 1 1,3 1,6 0,6 0,7 0,4 0,4 0,6 0,6 0,4 
Self-sufficiency (X) | 50,3 3,3 58,8 24,3 87,5 102,5 91J4 7,1 48,8 8,9 93,3 23,7 
Sources: Eurostat (Cronos) () = Member States Italics = DG VI estimates 
Fig. 4 
WORLD HONEY IMPORTS - £UR 12 
160 
140 r importations 
120 
100 
80 
MIELBIL)] 60 
82/83 83/84 84/85 85/86 86/87 87/88 88/89 89/90 90/91 91/92 
1*6 
Table 6 
NUMBER OF BEEKEEPERS 1992 
Hives 
total commercial Beekeepers 
total commercial % commerc Hives 
per 
beekeeper 
(commerc.) 
B 
DK 
D 
ELL 
ESP 
F 
IRL 
IT 
LUX 
NL 
PO 
UK 
EUR 12 100 
110 
010 
225 
854 
434 
21 
000 
10 
65 
510 
200 000 
000 
000 
000 
000 
000 
960 
000 
213 
000 
000 
000 
7 540 173 20 000 
80 000 
770 000 
1 242 400 
528 000 
3 200 
300 000 
240 
2 500 
177 000 
40 000 
3 163 340 12 000 
8 000 
94 000 
23 000 
20 161 
100 000 
2 250 
80 000 
650 
10 000 
50 000 
35 000 
435 061 100 
400 
000 
560 
000 
64 
000 
1 
10 
000 
200 
13 335 0,0 
1,3 
0,4 
13,0 
22,6 
3,0 
2,8 
1,3 
0,2 
0,1 
2,0 
0,6 
3,1 200 
200 
257 
272 
176 
50 
300 
240 
250 
177 
200 
237 j 
Source : COPA and Member States 
Table 7 
HONEY PRODUCTION BY TYPE 
(tonnes) - 1992 
I I I 1 1 1 
| | Multifloral | Other | Total |% Multifloral | 
|B | n.d.| n.d.| 200| n.d.| 
|DK j 2 940j 60j 3 000j 98j 
|D j 15 OOOJ 10 500 j 25 500 j 59| 
|ELL j 3 435j 10 315j 13 750j 25j 
|ESP j 23 OOOJ 4 650 j 27 650 j 83j 
|F j 26 OOOJ 6 OOOJ 32 000j 81| 
jlRL | n.d.j n.d.j 140| n.d.j 
|IT j 9 600 j 2 400| 12 000j 80 j 
|LUX j n.d.j n.d.j 125J n.d.j 
|NL j n.d.j n.d.j 800J n.d.j 
JPO j 760J 4 240| 5 000j 15j 
JUK j 4 000j 175j 4 175j 96j 
JEUR12 j - 84 735j 38 340j 123 075j 69| 
Source : COPA and Member States. 
Figure 5 
HONEY : STRUCTURE OF MARKETING 
PRODUCTION 
t 
PACKER 
PRODUCER PACKER 
COOPERATIVE < 
RETAIL 
CONSUMPTION 
TABLE HONEY IMPORTS 
PACKER IMPORTER 
* • f 
j ' 
i i 
| INDUSTRY r 
I f 
! INDUSTRIAL 
HONEY 
•Kt'Y major flow 
intermediate flow 
light flow 
(MIELFLUX) 
Si 
Argentina 
Mexico 
China 
Cuba 
Uruguay 
Hungary 
Australia 
USSR 
Russia 
TOTAL Table 8 
HONEY: IMPORTS 
(tonnes) 
27 600 
30 000 
11 800 
3 100 
4 500 
9 200 
9 400 
10 200 
136 000 23 800 
31 300 
8 100 
3 100 
2 800 
13 700 
9 600 
11 100 
131 000 21 400 
34 500 
9 350 
3 000 
2 400 
10 240 
7 500 
9 200 
119 000 27 300 
36 600 
13 300 
400 
880 
750 
400 
800 38 900 
30 200 
24 800 
400 
600 
900 
400 
600 
200 
131 600 145 000 
Origin 1988 GERMANY 
1989 1990 1991 1992 
Mexico 
Argentina 
China 
Hungary 
TOTAL 21 680 
15 040 
3 350 
5 420 
82 200 22 730 
12 340 
1 620 
8 490 
81 600 24 430 
11 300 
1 600 
4 540 
73 050 27 670 
16 720 
2 820 
3 390 
83 560 24 820 
22 290 
9 410 
2: 000 
86 180 
FRANCE 
|Origin 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 
China 
Hungary 
[Argentina 
Canada 
[Mexico 477 
686 
860 
371 
482 335 
841 
819 
624 
382 350 
316 
313 
357 
189 425 
937 
36 
337 
84 458 
340 
224 
178 
104 
TOTAL 
L 4 300 3 600 2 800 2 100 1 500 
UNITED KINGDOM 
Origin 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 
China 
Cuba 
[Mexico 
(Australia 
Argentina 
! USSR 6 800 
160 
5 170 
4 500 
1 400 
0 000 
275 
150 
400 
300 
70 6 150 
930 
8 000 
4 500 
2 200 
0 400 
150 
700 
500 
750 
11 200 
000 
800 
500 
100 
100 
TOTAL 22 250 20 500 24 250 21 500 22 300 
Source : Comext 
Table 9 
HONEY: IMPORT PRICES (EU) 
(commercial ecu/kg) 
EUR 12 
Origin 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 
|Argentina 
[Mexico 
[China 
[Cuba 
Uruguay 
Hungary 
[Australia 
[USSR 
|Russia 
ITOTAL 0,68 
0,76 
0,74 
0,70 
0,65 
1,00 
0,77 
0,52 
0,79 0,74 
0,80 
0,78 
0,69 
0,74 
0,96 
0,78 
0,55 
0,82 0,74 
0,74 
0,75 
0,75 
0,76 
1,12 
0,76 
0,59 
0,81 0,83 
0,82 
0,82 
0,76 
0,81 
1,19 
0,85 
0,65 
0,88 0,81 
0,86 
0,80 
0,78 
0,85 
1,34 
0,87 
0,69 
0,67 
0,89 
[Origin 1988 1989 GERMANY 
1990 1991 1992 
Mexico 
[Argentina 
China 
Hungary 
[TOTAL 
Origin 0,77 
0/67 
0,78 
0,87 
0,79 0,83 
0,73 
0,89 
0,82 
0,81 0,76 
0,73 
0,94 
0,99 
0,80 
1988 1989 FRANCE 
1990 0,81 
0,81 
0,92 
1,11 
0,87 
1991 0,86 
0,82 
0,84 
1,45 
0,91 
1992 
China 
[Hungary 
|Argentina 
Canada 
Mexico 
TOTAL 0,96 
1,52 
0,68 
1,02 
0,72 
0,98 0,83 
1,63 
0,75 
0,96 
0,75 
1,07 0,76 
1,49 
0,76 
1,10 
0,69 
1,21 0,91 
1,25 
97 
24 
0,74 
1,16 0,83 
1,37 
0,84 
1,17 
0, 91 
1,11 
China 
Cuba 
Mexico 
Australia 
Argentina 
USSR 
TOTAL 0,69 
0,73 
0,71 
0,77 
0,66 
0,74 0,69 
0,70 
0,72 
0,76 
0,68 
0,58 
0,74 0,65 
0,81 
0,69 
0,75 
0,72 
0,72 0,74 
0,80 
0,83 
0,86 
0, 86 
0, 91 
0,82 0,72 
0,78 
0,80 
0,85 
0,82 
0,57 
0,82 
Source : Comext 
Table 10 
HONEY: EXPORTS 
(tonnes) 
EUR 12: INTRA-COMMUNITY 
Destination 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 
|France 
(Netherlands 
|Germany 
|Spain 
| BLEU 
)Greece 
[Denmark 
jItaly 
|United Kingdom 
|Ireland 
|Portugal 
jTOTAL 700 
390 
650 
45 
875 
130 
975 
1 640 
630 
590 
20 
16 650 3 590 
3 480 
3 590 
240 
1 900 
985 
580 
2 380 
770 
440 
85 
18 040 000 
1Q0 
390 
195 
190 
485 
770 
750 
970 
600 
55 
22 500 3 330 
3 740 
4 680 
120 
2 030 
1 200 
865 
1 250 
890 
240 
45 
18 400 140 
980 
130 
520 
400 
300 
130 
110 
380 
250 
60 
18 400 
Destination 1988 EUR12: THIRD COUNTRIES 
1989 1990 1991 1992 
Ceuta U Melilla 
Saudi Arabia 
Switzerland 
Canary Islands 
TOTAL 
Destination 184 
431 
711 
481 
796 380 
1 014 
1 546 
514 
5 790 1 081 
1 288 
1 235 
388 
6 169 2 286 
1 542 
1 344 
464 
8 330 
GERMANY: THIRD COUNTRIES 
1988 1989 1990 1991 3 353 
1 534 
1 341 
647 
10 690 
1992 
Saudi Arabia 
Switzerland 
Austria 
Pakistan 
TOTAL 
Destination 330 
780 
150 
100 
270 980 
860 
230 
100 
040 1 200 
660 
140 
150 
3 030 350 
700 
200 
250 
640 
SPAIN: THIRD COUNTRIES 
1988 1989 1990 1991 390 
640 
290 
150 
540 
1992 
Ceuta & Melilla 
Canary Islands 
Israel 
Saudi Arabia 
TOTAL 180 
460 
60 
60 
1 090 380 
490 
20 
1 430 080 
370 
20 
60 
920 290 
430 
60 
170 
460 3 350 
630 
370 
130 
5 140 
Source : Comext 
.. « « tf1 Wtfft^lJWMP*. £.• r*m,rr* i~ 
COUNTRY 
REGION 
Total amount (ECUm) 
Unit amount (ecu/hive) 
Duration 
Objective: 
- pollination 
- stock maintenance 
- increase in number of hives 
- training 
- improvement of marketing 
- health programme 
- countryside tourism Table 11 
BEEKEEPING: STATE AIDS 
(notified to Commission) 
ITALY 
Lazio 
0.33 
1988-1990 Castilla-
La-Mancha 
0,85 
unspec i f i ed SPAIN 
Extrema-
dura 
2,5 
10 
unspecified Castilia-
Léon 
1.5 
11 
unspecified GERMANY 
Sachsen j Hessen | Bayern 
0.1 
5 
1993-1995 0.2 
2.5 
1993-1995 Û.88 
1993-1995 FRANCE 
Provence I Corsica 
0,04 
unspecified 0,04 
unspec i f i ed j 
Source: DG VI 
15 
1$ 
KSN02S4-147S 
C0M(94) 256 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 03 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-94-273-EN-C 
ISBN 92-77-70657-0 
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 
L-2985 Luxembourg