Challenges and Opportunities in Swedish Apiculture

Abstract: Bees are of importance for the global food security. In Europe 84% and in the World 35% of all the agricultural crops are dependent of animal pollination (Winfree et al., 2011:1). In agricultural production there is a huge lack of pollinators (Azien & Harden, 2009). A problem that is widely spread. In Sweden the problem becomes clear when looking at the statistics of the number of bee colonies during the last 20 years, where it has been a decline with 63 % (Statistiska Centralbyrån & Jordbruksverket, 2011). Pollination service is now considered as endangered (Klein et al., 2007). The aim of this study is to describe the perceived challenging factors concerning the beekeepers and the possible development of apiculture in Sweden. By using the Triple Bottom Line (TBL), stakeholder theory and cluster theory the aim of the study is reached. The TBL represents a starting point that recognizes social, environmental and economic values. To understand for whom these values are created a stakeholder theory model that describes the different roles of stakeholders is added. Cluster theory is then used to enable mapping and analysis of the identified stakeholders. As a contextual understanding a literature review with research about the global current situation of apiculture is presented. The literature review gives together with qualitative interviews a picture of the perceived challenges and opportunities of the Swedish apiculture. The value creation of the services and products of the apiculture differs between the stakeholders, which leads to conflicts in the sector. The opportunities of the Swedish apiculture lies in using the competitive climate to raise the value of the products and services provided by the beekeepers. This can be done with competition and colaborations, raised demand conditions, develop new collaboration partners and promoting education. If all these parameters is fulfilled a strong apicultural cluster can be formed, which would be favorable for the whole sector. A developed apiculture would be profitable for the whole nation, since it raises the yield and contribute to a more sustainable society hopefully in line with the planetary boundaries.