Back bloody brilliant bees

Federated Farmers is pushing government to recognise the role of bees by boosting biosecurity response and research. Bees are an invaluable part of the $24.5 billion agricultural sector – New Zealand’s largest and most important industry.

“Bees are taken for granted but without bees our eco system and economy would collapse,” says John Hartnell, Federated Farmers Bees spokesperson.

“This week is Bee Week and the need for bees to be given the research priority and status they deserve has never been greater.

“The contribution of bees to the $24.5 billion worth of agricultural exports is incalculable. Yet less than $1 million is spent on research each year. That’s just 0.004 percent of agricultural exports or just 0.067 percent of what is being spent by New Zealand on research and development.

“This underinvestment comes at a time when biosecurity concerns are increasing.

“Thankfully we don’t have European Foulbrood or Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) but I have to add the dreaded word, yet.

“At a time when border controls need enhancement, New Zealand appears to be running in the opposite direction.

“Varroa got through the border and the main risk vectors remain sea containers, aircraft passengers and a degree of resigned complacency.

“Given the number of invasive species that have colonised New Zealand, you would think the same level of vigilance as shown on television would take place with containers. It doesn’t.

“Worse, even passenger border standards are proposed for ‘streamlining.’

“If European Foulbrood or CCD were to take hold in New Zealand, the living standard of every single New Zealander would be put at risk. There are billions of reasons to enhance the border and each one is called a dollar.

“The number of bees is in decline worldwide due to these new diseases but we don’t know nearly enough about the nature of these diseases.

“Education is important and that’s why hives were on display at the various Federated Farmers Farm Days. It is why the Federation throws its full weight in behind Bee Week.

“Beekeepers and farmers all hope this month’s Budget will back bloody brilliant bees,” Mr Hartnell concluded.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Photo Opportunity - “A Beehive at The Beehive” with the Minister of Agriculture & Biosecurity, Hon. David Carter MP.

Time: 3.30pm, Tuesday May 5

Where: Parliament Grounds in front of The Beehive

Contact: Leigh Catley, Horticulture New Zealand, ph 027 241 4350

Value of honey - Around 12,375 tonnes of honey is produced annually, with almost half exported. Exports of honey alone are valued at around $71 million, including $4 million of premium organic honey.

Pollination is where it’s at - Roughly one third of everything we eat is pollinated by Bees. Many of our crops would not be viable without bee pollination – with an important role played by bumble bees. Up to 88,000 hives are needed for pollination nationwide.