Are these figures correct? Only 600? ----------- from http://www.medovina.com/ A Global Bee Crisis The honeybee as a feral species is near or at extinction. Stresses from mites, viruses, pesticides and pollution are all contributing to the demise of the honeybee. If you see a colony of bees in the wild in America, it is most likely a swarm of bees that issued from a managed colony of bees. There are now less than 600 commercial beekeepers in America. They produce 75% of America's honey crop (a $260 million industry). Equally important, or perhaps more so, these 600 beekeepers are responsible for most of the crop pollination in America (a $17 billion industry). Commercial beekeepers in America are also running the track to extinction. Just over 3 years ago we had over 3,000 commercial beekeepers in America. Bee losses are resulting in costs that are simply not possible to recover from. You can help. Buy a bottle of mead several times a year and you will contribute in an increase in demand for quality American honey that can not be achieved by any other means. This will provide cash flow to beekeepers which perhaps will allow them to make the better choices (which are often more costly) regarding managing their bees through the crisis. Drink Mead, save a honey bee! *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at: http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm