Federated Farmers Bees
What does the Bee Industry Group do?
Federated Farmers Bees will respond to any issue that is likely to effect the viability of beekeeping businesses.
An example of recent work by Federated Farmers Bees is it having a say in the national biosecurity strategy. Another issue it is lobbying government on, is the importation of honey from Australia. It is the view of Federated Farmers Bees that this honey poses a biosecurity threat because it has the potential to contain European Foulbrood bacteria. The entry of this bacterial disease would have a severe impact on the future viability of New Zealand beekeeping.
If you are a commercial beekeeper you are encouraged to join Federated Farmers Bees. Hobbyists and other commercial operators who support the industry are also welcome.
Who represents Federated Farmers Bees?
The chairman of Federated Farmers Bees is John Hartnell. He is a Cantabrian and former beekeeper with vast experience in the export of food products including honey and meat.
The chairman, policy advisor, Shona Sluys, and the Bee Industry Group executive work together to ensure that New Zealand beekeepers have a political voice.
You can contact the chaiman, John Hartnell on 03 349 5590 or 021 578 754 or jhartnell@fedfarm.org.nz. Shona Sluys can be contacted 0800 327 646, ssluys@fedfarm.org.nz.
Keeping up with our news
Federated Farmers produces newsletters for each of seven industry groups. Federated Farmers Bees electronic newsletter is called The BIG Picture and is distributed bi-monthly. Subscribe to Federated Farmers publications here.
Training for beekeepers
AFB course and test
The Canterbury Branch of the National Beekeepers Association is running an American Foulbrood course and test on Saturday 22 November at the St Johns Rooms, Ashburton at 1pm. The registration form must be returned by 5 November 2008. The course will take beekeepers through what you need to know to pass the test and detect American Foulbrood in beehives. It will be based on the book ‘Elimination of AFB without feeding drugs' - commonly known as the yellow book. This book can be obtained from The Secretary, NBA, 10 Nikau Place, Otaki or from Ecroyd Beekeeping Supplies. The test will commence at 4pm for those who do not wish to attend the full course.
Campaign
Bee aware
Federated Farmers Bee industry group is embarking on a major publicity campaign to make decision-makers and the public aware of just how critical bees are to the agricultural and horticultural sectors as well as everyone who owns or enjoys a garden.
At the annual conference in Cromwell Bee industry group, chairman John Hartnell told delegates that bees tend to be taken for granted. He said some people in the agricultural sector are not aware of how easily bees can be harmed.
The Bee Industry Group acknowleges an initiative from Agcarm who has published a brochure to help anyone using agrichmicals take better care of bees.
