Skip to main content

Open Access | Published on October 5, 2025

AF4EU Buzz: Unveiling Beekeeping Value Chain and Sustainable Agroforestry Practices in the EU

Couso-Viana Ana
Rodríguez-Rigueiro Francisco Javier
Ferreiro-Domínguez Nuria
Hosseini Ali
Valiño Esther
Fournarakos Alexandros
Fountas Spyros
Casey John
Zander Peater
Ciolfi Marco
Paris Piero
Aldrey-Vázquez Jose Antonio
Taboada-Iglesias María Jesús
Rigueiro-Rodríguez Antonio
Fernández-Lorenzo Juan Luis
González-Hernández María Pilar
Romero-Franco Rosa
Mosquera-Losada María Rosa
Abstract

This study examines the honey farm value chain developed within the European Agroforestry Business Model Innovation Network (AF4EU) project, which aims to promote agroforestry practices across Europe. Despite being the world's second-largest honey producer, the EU still requires imports to meet domestic demand (European Commission, 2024). The AF4EU project created value chains through co-creation workshops. Honey farms were recognized as significant across all climatic regions involved in the project, with participants identifying direct sales of honey and other products as the main revenue stream. Inputs such as beehive production and post-harvest machinery were considered external to the farm, while ecosystem services and training emerged as key outcomes. This study highlights the importance of short supply chains and traditional beekeeping knowledge in supporting sustainable honey production.

Keywords
Value chains, business model innovation, apiculture, honey, ecosystem services.