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

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.