• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.408-421
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• 2019

This study estimated and analyzed the incremental profits to compare the imported buff-tailed bumblebees, Bombus terrestris, and their pollination alternatives. A result of the analysis showed that the incremental profit, which is defined as the sales revenue minus the common production cost, was higher when using pollinator insects than when using the artificial pollination and that the incremental costs were lower when using domestic bumblebees or artificial pollination than when using imported bumblebees or honeybees. The incremental profits of each alternative were 46,801 million won for imported bumblebees, 47,170 million won for domestic bumblebees, 46,975 million won for honeybees, and 29,839 million won for artificial pollination. The incremental profit means the accounting profit that can be realized from each alternative. However, not all of the accounting profits can be attributed to pollen-mediated alternatives since they include potential costs such as imputed rent or normal profits. Considering the opportunity costs, which are the potential costs, it appears that the alternative of using imported bumblebees can lead to an economic loss. It means that fruit and vegetable farmers can expect additional economic profits if they choose other alternatives instead of using imported bumblebees.