Allen assumes that the strongest interests will prevail

- from that I take it, that it is foolish and futile to argue against
such interests.

May I mention the case of "Gaucho" and colony losses in France.

Bayer corporation, I suggest aided by interests in the Maize and
Sunflower growers corner the ones with the strongest interest compared
to the Beekeeper associations  - financially and numerically.

At the time, even science was against the beekeepers.

Through dedication, perseverance and the construction of data from novel
scientific studies, the French beekeepers associations were able to
convince the relevant authorities that the molecule Imidachlorpride was
being used in a manner that was detrimental to honey bee colonies.
Other beekeepers in other countries were less successful due to lack of
resources (finance, ability to construct a winning strategy).

For me, the lesson learnt was not to presume before hand that the battle
was lost. That beekeepers need to unite in an International manner - one
that is not yet in place.

We are continually taken for a ride by many who purchase, utilize and
need the products and services of honey bees.

To digress somewhat:

It is often suggested, then imposed that we must ever improve our
standards of production - placing more strain on ever shrinking profit
margins. The demand couched in the manner that once this has been
achieved our return will be increased. IMHO, this is not the case - it
falls.
Take the case of the price being offered for top quality honey here in
Canada at the present. It being 75 cents (Canadian dollar) per pound.

Packers are more powerful, the global market forces are more powerful,
other suppliers of sweeteners are more powerful.
Why?
Because they realize that they need to be organized in the modern market
condition.
Beekeepers: They still think that "The Pretty Pot" will get the shelf
space increase needed to put the product in front of the customer.
The odd teddy bear holding an obsolete honey spoon may excite a passing
child for a few minutes.
Whilst it is dancing down the street, hours of TV publicity is taking
place pushing other competing products.

Sure, we have many problems that are related to ensuring we can continue
to produce honey, but what is the point whilst we watch our market share
go down the proverbial drain.
It appears that we can't even get labelling of our venerable product
constructed in a manner that the final clientele is not left confused.
Maybe it is the raging head cold that I have at the moment makes Allen's
comment so attractive and one should roll over - But I suggest that he
really knows that what he wrote he could not sustain as a way of life
for long.

Hope that this does not read as a result of Cabin fever gone wild!
Regards,
Peter





Nonetheless, it can be assumed that the strongest interests will
prevail, and one can get with the program and
make the best of it, or be a martyr.  It is that simple.

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