LOST MEMBERS!
 
Before it was possible to subscribe on line via the Apinet website
(http://web.inter.nl.net/hcc/beenet/apinet.htm), several email addresses
were corrupted and hence some 'would be' members were never properley
subscribed. If you were inadvertently excluded earlier on - please try
again! For those of you who do not know about the work of the Apinet - here
is an update. Please bear in mind that Apinet is primarily for Beekeeping
Education & Extrension workers, though others may subscribe to a 'read
only' facility.
 
 “API-NET” INTERNATIONAL EXTENSION NETWORK
 
Welcome to the Apinet! This dedicated international network has been
created to encourage productive and healthy beekeeping by facilitating
links between extension workers and others who are interested in advising,
educating or training present and future beekeepers. We hope to enable
multi-lingual communication on the Apinet - you may use your own language
whenever you wish!
 
WHY DO WE NEED APINET?
 
Honey bees are an essential component of the agricultural and wider
environment. As beneficial insects, they are vital for the pollination of
many crops, as well as producing honey and other bee products for human
use. Apinet aims to reduce threats to beekeeping caused by the spread of
Varroa and other pathogens. Where significant losses of bees have occurred,
many experienced beekeepers have stopped keeping bees. Not enough new
beekeepers, especially young people, are being recruited and trained to
help or replace those beekeepers who find themselves unable to adapt or
cope with new management techniques.
 
FREE APINET SERVICES!
 
Apinet provides services for both Advisers and other Readers who are
interested in keeping up to date. Full details of the services offered and
how to subscribe free of charge can be found on the Apinet website
(http://web.inter.nl.net/hcc/beenet/apinet.htm). As well as details of
members interests and other useful information, there are also links to
other beekeeping sites on the internet. All members automatically receive
information by email. Reader members may also ask questions via an Adviser.
Members who are Advisers are encouraged to participate in any discussion
and to answer questions on beekeeping topics either directly or in
collaboration with colleagues. These services provided to Apinet members
free of charge at present. The system is operated by volunteers supported
by sponsors with beekeeping and extension interests.
 
HOW DID APINET ARISE?
 
Apinet was initiated to satisfy beekeeper education and training needs
identified by the CSL and EUROPEA. It is continuing to develop with the
help of other like minded organisations and individuals throughout Europe
and beyond. With your help, it will evolve into a world wide network with
the potential, via the internet,  to benefit extension workers and the
beekeepers they serve in countries all over the world. If you are
interested in Beekeeper Education and Extension, why not use the API-NET to
network with colleagues in other countries and organisations, making new
contacts, exchanging information and finding out how they are helping
beekeepers, farmers and others who depend upon the work of honey bees, to
face new challenges.
 
WHO SPONSORS APINET?
 
The CSL National Bee Unit is part of a UK research agency, the Central
Science Laboratory, which works in the area of bee disease control and
research and provides an extension service for beekeepers. EUROPEA is the
European Agricultural Education Association, an EU based organisation
serving the agricultural education and training sector. It enables
teachers, students, extension workers and others to collaborate nationally
and internationally both in Europe and beyond.
 
DOES APINET INTEREST YOU? 
 
Although there are Europea Associates in all EU member states, we still do
not have beekeeping extension contacts in some countries. We are also
looking for more links outside of Europe. If you are interested in joining
the net or helping to establish a network in your Country, why not
subscribe now. If you know of others who may be interested in the API-NET,
especially in other countries ...  please send them this information. Thank
you for your help!
 
Best Wishes,
 
JOHN GOODMAN
 
Regional Bee Inspector, NE England
CSL National Bee Unit, UK
# http://www.csl.gov.uk/navf.htm) #
 
Tel/Message:+44 (0)1833 690561
Fax(at York):+44 (0)1904 462240
[log in to unmask]
 
International Coordinator for the "Apinet"
APINET BEE (Bee Educ & Ext) NEWS
# ( http://web.inter.nl.net/hcc/beenet/ ) #