This study has been conducted on Syrian coastal area in 2013 season, aimed to
determines affecting factors on honey supply at that level Apiary and measure the price
supply elasticity . A field questioner was applied to obtain elementary data of a
random
sample consisted of (304) of Apiary.
The honey production has been estimated to (10.3) kg/hive and (603.8) kg/ apiary in
the study sample, (89.6%) of which were marketed, while the other part has been selfconsumed
at the apiary level. The marketing quantities of honey distributed between five
major marketing canals, the most important one was the direct selling to the consumers,
contributed to (77.1%) of total sample’ marketed quantities, followed by the selling to
wholesalers with contribution ratio estimated to (18.7%), while the selling to retailer types
(Honey specialized shops, Pharmacies, Grocers) have absorbed the remained small honey
quantities.
The supply price elasticity was estimated to (2.318), referring relatively to a high
elasticity supply. The more diversified marketing channels of honey at apiaries level has
positively affected supply quantities, especially when selling to wholesalers. Moreover, the
existence of selling and storing unites in apiaries in addition to the market information
system would also affect positively on supply quantities. The positively effect of apiary
size reflects the weak position of small size apiaries in supply controlling.
The more important result, was the negative impact of expertize and specialization
and education of producers on honey supplied quantities at apiaries level, Remunerating
Precarious conditions of current honey market, pressing on producers belonging to the
qualified category and indicates high risks of shrinking their leverage in honey sub-sector.