Netherlands: land of milk and honey

Bees are known for hard work and thrift. In earlier times the bee often appeared on the logos of savings banks. Today, bees are above all vital to the real economy. This book shows that beekeeping underpins hundreds of millions of euros in revenue in Dutch agriculture. Triple E, as a knowledge center on nature and the economy, took the initiative to conduct a study on the economic contribution of beekeeping to the Dutch economy. The figures are compelling and make clear that a push for greater recognition is necessary. Beekeeping—an activity that should be passed on to younger generations. Keeping bees instead of gaming? It could well be a fundamental choice, because of course we will always need to produce food. To feed 7 billion mouths worldwide we will have to work hard—something bees are well accustomed to.

Written by: Tom Bade | Aafke van Erk | Saskia Houben | Gerben Smid | Fred Tonneijk