Análise da produção e comercialização apícola dos municípios de Tabuleiro do Norte e Limoeiro do Norte: Um estudo de caso

Abstract

Does the knowledge of the structure of beekeeping in the municipalities of Limoeiro do Norte e Tabuleiro do Norte, in terms of production and marketing, organization of associations, can contribute positively on the performance of such activity in the Lower Jaguaribe Region? The present study aims to assess the production, marketing and organization of the main associations of beekeepers in the municipalities of Limoeiro do Norte e Tabuleiro do Norte. For the realization of this research were administered questionnaires and used the linear regression method. Beekeeping is presented as a secondary agricultural activity into the context of family farming, generating around two direct jobs during the winters in each family evaluated for both municipalities. The experience of working bee appears with a positive factor in the production and commercial processes. Given the distance from areas of honey production in rural areas to their respective municipalities appears the figure of the merchant or middleman to flow off the production. Beekeepers from both municipalities sell the honey to traders, companies or associations that offer the best market price. Both municipalities had good rates related to access to basic public services of water, electricity and sanitation and to support good existing levels of production of honey. The regression models used showed that the interaction of the number of beehives and the rules implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Provision are the most important variables in the variation of honey production. Another feature that presents itself as a positive and stimulating the production and commercial processes is the fact that the vast majority of farmers owning the land they work. With respect to management and organization of associations, Beekeepers Association of Tabuleiro do Norte was more influential among its members by giving greater support in terms of business and technical than the Beekeepers Association of Limoeiro do Norte.