TO: Beekeepers, apiculturists, and others:
FROM: John Walter, Conservation Editor, Successful Farming magazine, Des Moines,
IA. USA [log in to unmask]
RE:Article on status of U.S. honeybees, honey industry
 
I'm researching an article for our general-interest, national farm magazine with
a circulation of 500,000. I read a recent report in Science about the decline of
the honeybee due to parasitic mites. The article also discussed the economic
difficulties being experienced in the honey industry--cheap imported honey and
loss of federal price supports.
 
If anyone would care to comment (for attribution or not),I'm interested in
specific experiences or thoughts you may have that relate to any aspects of the
issues here, including:
 
* How severe is the problem? Is pollination of crops at stake, for example? What
effects are being felt by general agriculture?
* What are the potential solutions?
* Is new research necessary?
* Is there a replacement for the honeybee?
* Is there a bigger story here? Does the plight of the honeybee symbolize the
problem of exotic introductions generally?
 
Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to provide. If you don't mind
being quoted please give your full name, title, and coordinates. I'll clear the
story with you prior to publication.