> The essential problem of having "some beekeepers" who merely have the free time, rather than skilled professionals in science and regulatory
fields "represent" beekeepers to regulatory authorities is that they
can represent only themselves.

Let's put things into perspective.

The American Beekeeping Federation has only 500 members, and has
barely weighed in on this subject at the governmental level, despite
being begged to do so.
The American Honey Producers Association has around 400 members -- the
vast majority of which break the law multiple times a year by applying
illegally smuggled miticides to their colonies.  They've also barely
weighed in, despite being begged to do so.

On the other hand, there are others in our industry who have long been
in discussion with regulatory authorities who are looking for
solutions.
Beekeepers in some states are contacting their legislators to help our
"orphan" industry.

Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
530 277 4450
ScientificBeekeeping.com

Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
530 277 4450
ScientificBeekeeping.com

             ***********************************************
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