Wybrane ekonomiczne uwarunkowania i prawne aspekty prowadzenia działalności pszczelarskiej w Polsce

Abstract

The apiculture activity plays a significant role in the European Union’s economy and agriculture, mainly due to the functions performed by honey bees (Apis mellifera). Thanks to their efforts, more than 80% of crops and plants are pollinated worldwide. Bee’s work is also used to produce products such as honey, royal jelly, propolis, pollen and beeswax, used in chemical, food, medical and pharmaceutical industries. Finally, conducting the apicultural activity contributes also to maintain a proper level of biodiversity of natural ecosystems. Unfortunately, many civilizational and economic transformations and other factors have strongly influenced the apicultural activity, leading to numerous threats to the apiculture sector and the bees. Considering that, it is vital to carry out scientific investigations concerning the apicultural activity, which may provide valuable insight into the ongoing debate regarding the possibility of improving the situation of that sector. In this context, particularly the role of economic and legal research seems to be crucial because, on the one hand, it helps to understand the current economic conditions which characterize the apicultural activity, and, on the other hand, allows us to assess the current regulation and – as a result of that – to prepare a possible proposal for changes to the legislation concerning apiculture. Therefore, this paper aims to answer the following question: is the apicultural sector sufficiently supported and protected against risks related to apiculture, based on the current economic conditions and the existing regulation of apicultural activity.