Measuring beekeepers' economic value of contract enhancements in almond pollination agreements

The world's dependence on managed pollinators is growing due to decreasing native bee populations, coupled with increased production of crops requiring pollination services. Growers of pollinated crops may have opportunities to enhance pollination contracts to attract beekeepers and promote bee health. Growers must assess these benefits relative to implementation costs, yet little information exists. We investigate the value of contract enhancements to commercial beekeepers participating in California almond pollination services, a pollination event that demands roughly 89% of US honey bee colonies and makes up over half of US beekeeper annual revenues. We find beekeepers value clauses that ensure additional pesticide protection, advance payment, and certain cover crops. We illustrate market-based mechanisms for incentivizing agricultural practices that can improve native and managed pollinator health, while also alleviating growers' concerns about pollination deficits.