>>BusyKnight wrote;
>Take for instance, the American Beekeeping Federation.
>I got a mailing from them (I'm NOT a member & sure won't
>bee now) that outlined their basic "planks" and I'm sure
>most people already know this but they (as an 'official'
>stance of their organization) are strongly against allowing
>the importation of queens and/or bee semen.
>
 
The American Beekeeping Federation does support a revision in the 1922
Importation law.  This resolution was passed at their Jan. Meeting in
Portland;
 
31. Importation of honey bee stock
        WHEREAS, the development and maintenance of improved honey bee
breeding stock is viewed as the best long term solution to the problems of
AHB and parasitic mites; and
        WHEREAS, genetic diversity is know to be beneficial in livestock,
and high quality honey bee genetic stock is know to exist in other parts of
the world;
        WHEREAS, the current law of 1922 is cumbersome and unduly
restrictive and invites illegal importation; and
        WHEREAS, importation of honey bee semen can be a safe and effective
means of improving honey bee stock in the U.S, now
        THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the American Beekeeping Federation
urge the USDA to revise the law to permit qualified queen breeders to
import semen of known origin subject to appropriate standards and
qualifications with such standards and qualifications to be set by the USDA
after consultation with the Stock Release Panel.
 
        I strongly believe we need to support our beekeeping organizations.
These groups provide a voice for our industry and lobby for our interests
in Washington.  Look at the increase in honey prices we are enjoying. This
is a direct result of the what beekeeping organizations have accomplished
with the Antidumping campaign.
 
 
Susan Cobey
Ohio State University
Dept. of Entomology
1735 Neil Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210
Tel.(614) 292-7928
Fax (614) 292 2180