Honey bees disappearing in Mississippi

[Baggywrinkle]

ACKSON, Miss. -- Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Lester Spell says his agency will begin offering financial assistance to beekeepers in an effort to reverse the recent decline in the state's honey bee population.

Spell recently announced the financial assistance will be made available to eligible beginning beekeepers who establish up to four colonies of honey bees. By showing proof of purchase for two hives, Spell says, a new beekeeper may receive a reimbursement of up to $180 for one of the two hives and bees. Qualifying applicants can receive a maximum reimbursement of $360.

The program is administered through the Mississippi Beekeepers Association and is being funded through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Applicants must apply by April 1, 2009.

[eurosceptic]

interesting - I am beekeeping myself and heard Alex Jones says 80% of British bees have gone - tho' I am not sure that is a totally accurate stat.

I am certainly keeping my ear to the ground for any government help for beekeepers, I know the BBKA (British Beekeepers Assoc.) are keen to encourage new beekeepers.

[alyscat]

I cannot speak for any commercial beekeepers in the pacific northwest, but a number of my friends have hives, and they are doing quite well with their bees.

I just went to a class Friday on candyboards and mite control, and then we had a mead/honeywine class with tasting.

I will be starting the beginners class in December, with the followup in January, and hope to get my first hive in the spring.
alys

[Antaletriangle]

I understand that beekeepers of organic colonies that feed from organic fields are very strong it's the bees that feed from GM crops that are suffering.