>>This concept has been tried before, the problem is beekeeping  is 
totally another business.

A friend of mine from Yakima, Washington has about 30 acres of apple 
trees on the side (he has a custom machine design & fab business 
during the day).  He is trying to interest one of his children in 
beekeeping as a hobby.  The hives would be used in the spring to 
pollinate the apples.  This is sustainable agriculture with many 
benefits.

>>When oil went to 70 dollars a barrel did we all go out and 
buy drill rigs?

This would not be quite as cost-effective since one would also need a 
refinery to process the oil... ;-)

>>One  grower that I know bought into a bee business as a partner...

Absolutely.  This sort of partnership is very sustainable and should 
be beneficial to both sides.  It also takes advantage of local 
resources which is always a plus for communities.

I am not suggesting that out of state beekeepers should not make an 
income in CA almonds.  Out of state hives will always be needed to 
satisfy the demand of the growing acerage.  However, developing and 
using local resources has many benefits and should be encouraged.

Waldemar
Long Island, NY

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