Bee industry looking to unite

The National Beekeepers’ Association of New Zealand (NBA) is calling for the beekeeping industry to unite under one body.

NBA president, Frans Laas, says the idea, which was raised at the recent NBA conference in Nelson, had so far received no vocal opposition.

“A united industry will see significant improvements for all beekeepers. It will give us one voice for influencing change to industry and ensuring beekeepers’ needs are met,” Mr Laas says.

While the NBA is the largest beekeeping organisation in the industry, there are a number of other groups representing beekeepers including Federated Farmers Bees, which split from the NBA in the 1990s.

Several possible models for the new organisation were discussed at the NBA AGM and the NBA is currently revising these models to present back to industry for further discussion.

Notes:
Bees are crucial to our primary sector, with a role far beyond honey production. New Zealand's dependence on horticulture and agriculture means we may be more dependent on pollination from the honey bee than any other nation on earth. Bee Week runs from 26-30 July and will highlight the value and opportunities of bees and beekeeping in New Zealand.

Bee Week is supported by the National Beekeepers' Association of New Zealand (NBA) and Federated Farmers Bees.