New varroa control line - The new control line is in place as of 1 August 2008. Special thanks to all who participated in the review process. Please maintain a high level of surveillance in all regions. Further details can be found at www.biosecurity.govt.nz.

New look national board - New Zealand beekeepers voice just became louder with John Hartnell chairman of Federated Farmers Bees elected onto the Federated Farmers National Board at the Federation's National Conference in June. Mr Hartnell has vast experience in the export of food products including honey and meat. Federated Farmers new president is Don Nicolson, a Southland sheep farmer. Frank Brenmuhl is the new vice-president. Frank is a farm consultant and former dairy farmer. The other board members are Donald Aubrey, Bruce Wills, Lachlan McKenzie and Philip York. Donald Aubrey also the Federated Farmers High Country chairman has championed the cause of farmers throughout the controversial tenure review process. Bruce Wills, also Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre chairman, is a sheep and beef farmer from Hawke's Bay who has also worked in the banking and financial sector. Lachlan McKenzie, also Federated Farmers Dairy chairman, is a dairy farmer from Rotorua. Philip York, also Auckland Federated Farmers president, is a beef farmer from Clevedon, South Auckland.

Election news - Federated Farmers Bees can report on a well attended conference in Cromwell last month which saw an interesting array of speakers and one new face elected onto the committee; Gary Glasson from Blackball is a new bee leader.

Food safety - Jim Sim from the New Zealand Food Safety Authority provided some details about the recent toxic contamination of honey. Tests of suspect honey revealed Tutin levels of 30-50 mg/kg and hyenanchin levels of 180-300mg/kg in leftover comb honey. Twenty two cases of food poisoning were reported; some nearly died. All positive case samples came from one beekeeper and no positive case samples from anywhere else were associated with illness reports. There were some examples of low levels of Tutin being safe, but there were immediate market reactions including: queries from buyers and offshore regulators; offshore laboratories wanting standards and methods to test product and sales were significantly affected (anecdotal - from industry). NZFSA has now written to all registered beekeepers and AsureQuality is to send out Tutin information to all new beekeepers. Jim Sim said that some future options need to be considered including:

• Set a limit for Tutin and hyenanchin (inevitable)
• Test all extracted honey (from risk areas?)
• Test honey harvested after a set date each year from all or only risk areas?
• Ban comb honey production from risk areas?
• Require comb honey to be managed under a specific RMP?

A constant battle - Richard Norman from MAF Biosecurity NZ Incursion Response Manager gave an update on the varroa incursion in the Nelson area and explained possible options for the South Island Response Programme. He said that the autumn surveillance field sampling was completed; 3000 hives in 200 apiaries were checked and positive results came from apiaries at St Arnaud to Glenhope, Murchison, Picton and Blenheim. As a result of this, interim movement controls came into effect on 13 May 2008, north of a line from Okarito to Conway. He explained the purpose of imposing movement controls and suggested some possible revised control areas. He then asked beekeepers to consider at what point they see movement controls ceasing to add value.

Protecting your business - Graeme Albon from the Federated Farmers Bees committee gave some background details on a business risk management exercise he had recently undertaken with FMG. He then invited Wayne Thomas from FMG to explain the process and benefits. Mr Thomas said that risk management is concerned with the monitoring and control of hazards, with the ultimate aim of reducing either their consequences or their probabilities, or both. The process involved planning; risk identification; risk assessment; risk evaluation and risk treatment. The process is built on the establishment of a profile of operational and business risks. For example:

• Loss of Profits resulting from fire, flood, theft or damage in storage
• Legal Liability - Third party property damage and fire suppression costs.
• OSH and Employer Liability, Punitive and Exemplary damages
• Products Liability - Traceability and Product Recall
• Benefits of risk management included earnings stability; an uninterrupted operation; meeting externally imposed obligations a social responsibility.

Bee communications - Peter Burke, at that time, general manager for strategic communications at Federated Farmers led a workshop designed to set a comprehensive and effective communications strategy for the Bee Industry Group and to lift the profile of bees in New Zealand. He presented a written proposal to delegates and sought feedback. Immediate priorities were identified as being public awareness, publicising the benefits of nitrogen fixing through clover pollination and targeting schools careers advisers. Mr Burke has since accepted a new position outside of the Federation and we are currently awaiting a new appointment to this position before progressing further.

Cropping and bees - Nick Pyke from the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) explained the structure and activities of the organisation. The foundation is involved in research of farming systems, sustainability/environment, product quality/processing and production. Funding is attained under the Commodities Levies Act. It is also involved in information collection from New Zealand and overseas, education, communication and scientific advocacy. The Foundation has recently been involved in a Sustainable Farming Fund, a funded project that looked into a number of issues on pollination including pollination requirements of crops, options, stocking rates, effectiveness of other pollinators, possible impact of varroa and the effects of pesticides and irrigation systems on bees.

Research into foraging distance of bees found that generally pollination efficiency did not vary with distance from hive in a paddock. A low percentage, 12 percent of the 750 marked bees was recovered from hives on the edge of the field. For an eight hour foraging day on a standard white clover paddock it was found that there is a need for 19,500 bees/ha. This is based on data such as: a bee visit produced 1.24 seeds/visit; bees spent 3.3 seconds per floret and foraged for 44 min before returning to the hive - round trip 55 min; bees visit 870 florets/hour and with 168 million ovules per ha per day to visit it required 13.6 million bee visits per day. Mr Pyke discussed results of various pollinators on selected vegetable crops and said that insecticides can adversely affect pollination through reducing the floral attractiveness, the rate of pollen release, pollen viability or stigma receptivity as well as bee survival rates.

Federated Farmers - Andrew Gillanders advised that he was nearing the end of his term on the board of Federated Farmers. He shared some experiences of his time on the board and the operation of the organisation. The chairman thanked Andrew for his dedication to the position and particularly for his support for the bee industry during his term in office.

Feedback and conference 2009 - Federated Farmers Bees wants feedback on the Cromwell conference. What you thought worked well, what didn't and what could have been included. Feedback will help in preparation for the 2009 conference. Also suggestions are welcome on the location and venue for next year's conference. Please contact Shona Sluys: ssluys@fedfarm.org.nz or 0800 327 646 with your thoughts.

BIG issues with John Hartnell, Federated Farmers Bees Chairman

Communication at conference - Thank you for supporting Federated Farmers Bees 2008 conference, it is all about people and communication. This year we co-ordinated an informative day on organic beekeeping, it was well attended and breaking news about an organic fungal treatment for control of varroa has heartened this group and has given all beekeepers a very optimistic outlook for the future.

Big Issues - The beekeeping community is currently facing two big issues. These are also on the table for Bee Products Standards Council members, they are honey standards and the draft Tutin Management Plan.

Honey standards - While the majority of the bee industry accept and understand it is important to establish workable and realistic honey standards for single source mono-floral honey, the industry continues to struggle with the method, means and markers by which Manuka is identified. Clearly as an industry it makes sense to have a creditable standards programme which is supported by world honey standards, methodology and science. The BPSC has accepted industry direction and the endorsement of the 2002 draft mono-floral honey standards as a starting point.

During Bee industry conferences this year, members of the BPSC reported on their ongoing activities and the need for a consultative approach to key decision making. To facilitate this, the BPSC brought together industry participants who had knowledge in honey testing to help determine key markers. BPSC has also called for information from the Manuka sector who challenge the methodology being used and who support a more scientific approach.

Underlying the challenge to the Manuka standard is the question of ‘Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), "ACTIVITY and MEDICAL" brands which are the drivers for monetary return. Do we accept that if honey tests positive for "UMF" then it must be Manuka? Is this the only marker or do we have balanced methodology based historical testing methods and science? The BPSC is the facilitator for the honey standard. It is up to beekeepers to have their say when the consultation document is presented.

Tutin discussion - The discussion document on the Tutin Management Programme has been circulated and submissions are now closed. A working management programme must be in place before the 2008/9 honey season. It is important that the beekeeping community does not mismanage the risk, and place human life in jeopardy. Should another occurrence of Tutin poisoning be recorded, it will put at risk the future of our exports and reflect poorly on New Zealand food exports. Education, communication and industry training for new beekeepers are crucial. All beekeepers should also note that a warmer climate may see the vine hopper arriving in areas not previously inhabited. Be vigilant.

Funding BPSC - Funding for the BPSC comes from the National Beekeepers Association and the New Zealand Honey Packers & Exporters Association via voluntary donations when needed. Although Federated Farmers Bees does not fund the council, services in-kind have been offered since the formation of the BPSC. Bee industry benefits from the BPSC are considerable and cover the whole beekeeping community. While Federated Farmers Bees is at present re-considering the position regarding financial contribution, the BPSC must continue to drive key issues forward.

Therefore, as the Bee chairman I am prepared to suggest that the Federated Farmers membership may wish to consider a voluntary tax deductible donation to recognise this very important work. I welcome your comments. john@hartnellnz.com

Honey drums - There have been some serious concerns tabled by New Zealand Food Safety Authority with regard to honey drums. The majority concerns cover second hand or reconditioned drums and their suitability for use in honey storage. NZFSA have identified the drums previous use, drum lining and internal rust as problems. Unless your supplier or re-conditioner can guarantee the suitability of the drum, and the liner (internal coating) for use in the honey storage, then NZFSA will not permit use for domestic or export. The correct lining is GOLD C, please take absolute care or change your management practise to new drums.

Risk Management Programme documentation - It is extremely important to ensure that correct documentation is completed under the NZFSA requirements for every delivery/despatch of honey (supers, honey in drums and packed honey) in and out of your premises. For supers - the harvest declaration and beekeeper PDB statement. For honey - drums & packed, the transfer document and RMP Secondary Processor PDB statement. For export (to EU destinations) you will be required to present Harvest Declarations, beekeeper PDB statement, Transfer Documents (if applicable) and RMP Secondary Processor PDB Statement. All Transfer Documents must be the original copy to the receiving party unless they are completed electronically. If you are not sure please ask, as the cost of getting this wrong is considerable.

Pollination Notification - Biodiesel New Zealand has advised it will require a large number of hives for canola pollination. The stocking requirement is one hive per hectare - projected planting of 20,000 to 30,000 hectares in total. All regions within the South Island and some regions within the North Island will be targeted for production. If you wish to supplement your apiary income with pollination services for these crops then Federated Farmers Bees suggests registering your interest with this company. Note: Canola offers little benefit to bees. Pollination pricing should be in line with crops like radish and carrots. You will need a good strong mature hive for this work; most likely a double brood nest. Contact details: David Geary, National Field Operations Manager, email: david.geary@biodiesel-nz.co.nz, phone: 03 693 7044 or 027 200 4797.

Making the most of winter with West Coaster, Gary Glasson

The middle of winter is a good time to take a holiday for beekeepers on the West Coast. I have been catching up with maintenance and joined local dairy farmers to attend an agriculture industry training organisation course on employing staff. It features four separate workshops covering:

• Legal responsibilities
• Managing staff performance
• Recruitment and selection
• Developing high performance teams

So far I have only attended the recruitment and selection workshops which covered advertising a vacancy, the interview process and job descriptions. I decided I would go home and have a crack at a job description for a beekeeper. It didn't take me long to work out that I would need at three job descriptions. Dairy farmers don't have just farm workers any more; they have milk harvesters, dairy farm assistants, and herd managers. I came up with; seasonal extracting plant workers, fulltime beekeeper assistants and beekeepers. A job description has a number of benefits. It adds clarity to the role, allows pay rates to be structured fairly, includes reference for training, measures job performance and is a reference for disputes.

It is a requirement to include a description of the work to be carried out by the employee in an individual employment contract. I have included our job description for the beekeepers assistant position as an example, it may still need some changes but I have remembered to include varroa treatments.

Grain and Seeds with Darfield consultant Andrew Gillanders

I have often been asked what bees are worth to New Zealand grain and seed farmers. The worth of harvest exports for 2007 are listed below:

• White clover seed - $20 million
• Radish - $11 million
• Carrots $9 million
• Other vegetables - $17 million
• Brassicas - $7 million

This makes $64 million dollars of exports that can be directly traced back to pollinating bees. This is exports and not what is used within the New Zealand agricultural scene. These crops are an important part of the grain and seed industry. It makes the industry sustainable and with the present price of nitrogen coupled with the rest of the world's farmers not showing much interest in growing the quantity and the quality required for vegetable seeds to feed the growing world's population. The New Zealand beekeeper can look forward to their services being of even greater demand in the future.

I have enjoyed working with Federated Farmers Bees industry over the past three years. The varroa incursion into the South Island and the Government's lack of action can only be described as disgraceful at the end. What will the cost be to the South Island farmer if they did the sums again on present day figures? Especially, considering that since then artificial nitrogen has trebled in price.

New pollination contracts - Beekeepers must promote these Federation contracts. The contracts should be used on all apiary sites, if only to protect you and the landowner from unforeseen events.

Food safety - Unfortunately many of you know your product is safe but the regulators and consumers are requiring set practises and traceability. I will continue to promote your industry because to the seed producers and the pastoral farmers of New Zealand it will soon become a privilege to get your crop pollinated and to host bees on your property.

Andrew Gillanders is the former Grain and Seed chairman and former Federated Farmers National Board member. He has worked closely with Federated Farmers Bees during his term on the National Board. Andrew is going to be providing the BIG Picture with the Grain and Seed farmers' point of view.

AFB news with Rex Baynes

Disease response - In the case where one or two AFB infected hives are reported an assessment is made as to the seriousness of the report received and respond accordingly. A possible response could be as little as a quick chat with the beekeeper through to a full DECA review and audit inspection.

In general terms the most serious AFB is as we know a "rob out" report. This severely weakened hive can no longer defend itself and has had its stores robbed by neighbouring bees. This situation more than likely results in AFB being spread to neighbouring hives via the robbing process. In this case letters would be sent to all beekeepers who own hives within a three to five kilometre radius (depending on terrain) of the infection advising them of the situation and suggesting they inspect their hives or have them inspected by an approved person. Further if the beekeeper is DECA accredited a review would be undertaken and depending on AsureQuality knowledge of the beekeeper concerned, a follow up inspection might take place.

If the report is considered serious, if the number of infected hives is high and the area and/or the beekeeper was previously clean or some other risk factor came into play, then the process as already outlined would be implemented. In this case and the "rob out" situation attempts would be made to ascertain the source of the infection via a data base search, beekeeper interview or indeed local intelligence.

A further situation is where very low infection levels are reported in an area (say 1-2 hives) and the beekeeper or the area has a history of disease. Often the beekeeper will say where he thinks the disease is coming from or that it is self infected and it is established nothing more can be done. Some beekeepers have a style of operation that makes it very hard for them to eliminate AFB, for example operators who have high pollination hive commitment or who have high staff turnover.

For more information visit the American Foul Brood Pest Management Strategy website: http://afb.org.nz/

Tell BIG your news - Federated Farmers Bees would like to include news from more areas around the country. If you would like your area to be mentioned and you want to volunteer to write a brief blurb about bee news in your part of the country contact Shona Sluys: ssluys@fedfarm.org.nz or 0800 327 646.

If you have any questions or comments about matters raised in this newsletter, please don't hesitate to contact one of the team. After all, that's what they are here for!