The Bee Business: Determining the Practicality of Marketing Almond Honey for Bee Farmers that Participate in Almond Pollination

Description
Almonds are California’s second most profitable agricultural product bringing in over 21 billion dollars in economic revenue every year (Almond Honey, n.d.). However, the success of the almond industry depends on pollination services offered by hundreds of bee farmers from

Almonds are California’s second most profitable agricultural product bringing in over 21 billion dollars in economic revenue every year (Almond Honey, n.d.). However, the success of the almond industry depends on pollination services offered by hundreds of bee farmers from around the United States. Although profitable for the bee farming business, almond pollination services provide an unsustainable business model for bee farmers. Bee farmers that participate in almond pollination are usually dependent on the revenue made from the two-week pollination services their bees provide in early February.
To combat the inefficiencies of pollination services for almonds, this project looks at diversifying income for bee farmers that participate in almond pollination by determining the practicality of marketing almond honey for cosmetic uses and uncovering new buyers. Almond honey is usually considered a useless byproduct from almond pollination and is wasted due to its bitter taste and marginal yields per hive. However, by building a new business model incorporating almond honey sales, farmers could diversify revenue streams and make up lost profits during almond pollination season. Minimizing the waste produced by almond pollination is also one of the project partners goals to make their business model more efficient and socially sustainable.
By building a current bee farming business model the entire bee business was analyzed for inefficiencies and opportunities. A cost-benefit analysis was then performed to determine the best scenario to extract almond honey to sell for cosmetic purposes. The cost-benefit analysis also helped build a new business model and BPM (business process management) that determined the price range almond honey could be sold at, buyers, and logistics.
Almond honey proved to be of interest to buyers and ways to sell and market the product was uncovered, however, the amount of almond honey produced by each farmer was too minimal to make a large difference in diversifying revenue streams for individual bee businesses. Though the project was unable to determine a more resilient and sustainable business model for bee farmers, it was able to introduce new business partners between beauty supply buyers and bee farmers as well as minimize almond honey waste.
Date Created
2019-05-15
Agent

Sustainable Infrastructure and South Mountain Village: Water

Description

This study addresses the social and physical constraints and opportunities for South Mountain Village, particularly along the Rio Salado as it intersects with the proposed light rail extension on Central Avenue. The primary goals guiding this document are ecological restoration,

This study addresses the social and physical constraints and opportunities for South Mountain Village, particularly along the Rio Salado as it intersects with the proposed light rail extension on Central Avenue. The primary goals guiding this document are ecological restoration, social and physical connectivity, maintenance, management, development and future planning. This study discusses the history of the Rio Salado riparian area, analyses current riparian conditions, and provides context from similar cases both locally and nationally.

It has been demonstrated that access to recreational opportunities can improve the livelihood and reduce negative health effects for residents nearby. With this in mind, the physical connectivity of South Mountain residents is assessed to determine the degree of accessibility to recreational areas of the Rio Salado. This analysis will also be used to address areas in which residents do not have equitable access and will be used to guide recommendations to increase that access. Additionally, as growth occurs, existing social vulnerability concerns are addressed in regard to marginalized populations relying on the area’s ecological and grey infrastructure for refuge.

As the Rio Salado 2.0 Project and the Valley Metro South Central light rail extension begins construction and the opportunity to develop increases, residents and business owners are concerned that redevelopment will affect the integrity and connectivity of the area. This study outlines how these changes may affect stakeholders while keeping the area accessible and equitable for all. Evaluation of the sites and parcels surrounding the Rio Salado for future development while taking into account its rich history and needs of the community is important for the community and the City of Phoenix as a whole. This study incorporates concepts from the Rio Salado Beyond the Banks Area Plan and other existing plans and regulations for the area. This study aims to provide a roadmap for future development along the Rio Salado at South Mountain Village in a sustainable and equitable way.

Date Created
2018-05-14
Agent