Beehives under pressure as honey demand rises and kiwifruit industry expands
New Zealand's kiwifruit industry is facing a shortage of beehives as demand for pollination services competes with a recovering honey market. After years of oversupply, honey prices have risen, leading some beekeepers to prioritize honey production over orchard pollination.
Why it matters
The tension between honey production and agricultural pollination highlights the economic interdependencies within the food supply chain.
Kiwifruit growers need 150,000 hives across orchards as spring nears. Photo / Duncan Brown
The article presents a balanced view of the economic pressures facing two different agricultural sectors.
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