A Comparaison of Beekeeping Sectors between Slovakia and Romania

Abstract

Beekeeping sector plays an essential role in agriculture for two main reasons: the process of pollination and the production of honey and other apicultural products. The aim of the paper was to analyse and compare beekeeping sectors between Slovakia and Romania in terms of honey production, market competitiveness and EU funding budget allocation. The secondary data used in the analysis were provided by European Commission reports, the Romanian Institute of Statistics, Slovak statistics, Central Register of Hives in Slovakia, Faostat and Trademap. The competitiveness in honey market was calculated using RCA indices and the Michaely index. Results show that the number of hives as well as honey production increased, while market competitiveness decreased. In conclusion, national beekeeping programmes provide financial support for beekeepers and foster the whole sector, therefore the European Union should continue implementing these programmes to stabilize this sector and increase production capacities in both countries.