Bee Kind With Chemicals

05 May 2009

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) is urging farmers to adopt 'bee-friendly' farming practices by reducing agrichemical use and adopting organics.

"Toxic agrichemicals kill bees - especially when they're not used in accordance with warning labels", said Dr Jon Tanner, OANZ Chief Executive Officer.

"New Zealand beekeepers have an international advantage by not needing to routinely feed antibiotics to their colonies", Dr Tanner said.

"Many proven organic techniques are available for managing pastures and livestock without requiring harmful chemicals.

"But further research is needed where organic options are yet to be perfected - such as in controlling the initial infestation of varroa.

"Bees aren't the only creatures that appreciate products made without agrichemicals - shoppers are increasingly choosing certified organic options.

"Organic products are highly valued in world markets, and buying organic food may be the biggest bee-saving choice that people can make.

"Organic farms not only avoid the use of pesticides and herbicides, but encourage biodiversity, hosting a wider range of wildlife.

"Organic methods improve the living environment both for bees and farmers.  Bee-friendly farmers and shoppers should accept nothing less than fully certified organic production.

"It's important to encourage innovation which allows further replacement of toxic agrichemicals with organic techniques.

"With international concern over the decline of bee populations, farmers around the world should be questioning their dependence on synthetic farm inputs, investigating how they can 'bee kind' by removing agrichemicals", Dr Tanner said.