Bees are given a chance at last (From Smallholder)

Bees are given a chance at last

2:17pm Friday 30th January 2009

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The Environment Secretary, the Right Honourable Hilary Benn MP has finally acknowledged the importance of bees in the British countryside, confirming a funding package worth £4.3 million over the next five years.

There has been a devastating loss of bee colonies in recent years; with one in three colonies dying out in 2008. In response to this alarming development, campaigners have have been supporting a coalition of interest groups who have been lobbying the government on the need for an increase in bee health funding. In November 2008, the campaign for increased investment culminated with the British Beekeeper’s Association (BBKA) presenting a petition with 130,000 signatures to No10 Downing Street calling for more funding. Recognising the vital role bee-keepers play in maintaining the Cornish environment, Mrs Terrye Teverson one of the campaigners said: “Having farmed for many years I understand the importance of protecting the natural environment. Bees play a crucial part in our ecosystem and it is extremely important that we protect their natural habitat and increase research funding to understand why so many colonies have been lost in recent years.”

“I am delighted that research into bee health has been granted much needed extra resources. The sum of £4.3 million is not as much we had hoped for, but will be welcome to the bee keeping community.

“I hope that this money will enable the research teams to gain a greater understanding about what is causing colony collapse on this scale. Time is running out and robust research is needed to advise the industry how best to get our bee population back on the road to recovery.”

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