Organics Aotearoa New Zealand was proud to be an organising partner in Bee Week, from 4-8 May 2009. To highlight the activity, needs and opportunities which face certified organic apiarists, OANZ prepared profile pieces, which are avaialble for download:
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.
Bee Week hit top gear last night with a function at Parliament's Beehive, hosted by the Minister of Agriculture and MC'd by "the bugman" Ruud Kleinpaste.
Lots of Ministers, MPs, officials and journalists turned out to taste a range of honeys (including several organic varieties) and learn about the opportunities and challenges which face New Zealand's bee industry.
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.
Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) is putting a focus on bee-friendly farming, calling for reductions in toxic agrichemical use and increased organic research as Bee Week begins on Monday 4 May.
"Bees would not survive without human support, while a third of all the food we eat depends on bee pollination", said Dr Jon Tanner, OANZ Chief Executive Officer.
"During Bee Week, OANZ will advocate for reductions in toxic agrichemical use and more organic research", Dr Tanner said.
Bee Week from 4-8 May will see OANZ looking at the values of honey and pollination, the effect of agrichemical use on bees, research and development (especially around controlling varroa), and how we need biosecurity that's able to stop any more crippling .
Organics Aotearoa New Zealand was proud to be an organising partner in Bee Week, from 4-8 May 2009. To highlight the activity, needs and opportunities which face certified organic apiarists, OANZ prepared profile pieces, which are avaialble for download:
