Get Buzzy on Bee Research

07 May 2009

Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) is urging a focus on research into organic apiculture, with South Island organic beekeepers engaged in a 'death race' against varroa.

"Research is urgently needed into 'bee-friendly' organic varroa control techniques, which could remove farmers' reliance on toxic agrichemicals", said Dr Jon Tanner, OANZ Chief Executive Officer.

"We also need to examine how beekeepers can ensure the survival of their hives, particularly in the face of threats like varroa, without resorting to synthetic chemical treatments.

"Twenty organic beekeepers in the South Island are engaged in fighting against varroa - which has already devastated organic beekeepers in the North Island.

"When varroa reaches the lower South Island, organic beekeepers will face the likelihood of having to treat their hives with insecticides.  This treatment would cost beekeepers their organic status, which takes at least three years to regain.

"Just one organic beekeeper has survived varroa in the North Island, and without much needed scientific breakthroughs, the same fate will befall southern organic beekeepers as well.

"British scientists have recently been given £10m by their government to find out why bee numbers are decreasing, while last year's US Farm Bill allocated US$20 million a year to bee research and related work.

"A similar focus is needed here in New Zealand - especially because New Zealand's economy relies so heavily on horticulture and agriculture.

"New Zealand may rely more on bee pollination than any other nation on earth - from our premium kiwifruit to the clover in our dairy pastures.

"Bees are some of the hardest workers in orchards and on farms - we need to look after them and get busy on bee research", Dr Tanner said.