Bee pollination could generate R$ 4.2 billion annually in São Paulo

A study conducted by BIOTA Síntese, in partnership with the University of São Paulo (USP) and the São Paulo State Secretariat for Environment, Infrastructure, and Logistics (Semil), indicates that reducing the deficit in bee pollination services could generate up to R$ 4.2 billion annually for the economy of São Paulo.

Conservation units managed by the Fundação Florestal currently host 32 species of native stingless bees, representing 51% of the species recorded in the state. This data is part of the Native Bees Program (PAN-FF), established in 2020, which aims to integrate pollinator knowledge with environmental education, conservation, and income generation. The program manages approximately 192 rational boxes for sustainable management and plans to implement 30 educational meliponaries.

Globally, bees are critical to food security, with an estimated 75% of human food crops depending to some degree on animal pollination. In Brazil, the production of honey, propolis, and royal jelly, alongside apiculture and meliponiculture, supports a multi-billion real productive chain that benefits rural families and small farmers.