Hi Peter -

> It again seems to me that it is a reflection of the status of the
> industry today (and maybe previous) that we appear to be left adrift to
> sort out very pressing questions without the support afforded to other
> branches of the agricultural sector.

Very incisive comments! I should remind you and others that the Tucson Bee
Lab is currently in the cross hairs of the chopping block. There are those
pushing Congress to provide more funding for it and to keep it open, and
there are those that feel it should be closed from lack of support to
beekeepers where they feel it's needed.

(http://www.beesource.com/pov/lusby/abjdec1997.htm)
In September, 1997, the Tucson Bee lab took bee samples from some of the
Lusby's hives. We see from the data that their hives were averaging 4 to 5
varroa mites per 100 and extremely low percentages of Tracheal Mites. Talk
about some data that should turn heads with researchers! Why 4 years now and
nothing more has been done? The Lusby's have asked for their honey to be
tested. To date, no one has tested it. With the USDA spending millions each
year on mite control, approving stronger and stronger chemicals, what will
it take for someone within this taxpayer supported system to take a little
time and do some testing on what the Lusby's are doing? The Lab sits 15
minutes away from the Lusby's. Instead, it's the small scale beekeeper doing
the work and testing the best they can.

Regards,
Barry