Medhat:
> I think importing Chinese pollen is allowed again in the USA for feeding
> bees as long as it is irritated. Please check with Dr Colin Stewart from
> APHIS. He should know.\
I have not been able to contact Colin yet but The two largest *former*
sellers of irradiated Chinese pollen said they had no knowledge of a lift on
the ban but I will stand by for the Aphis response.
I will post as soon as I hear. Even the place to buy if the ban has been
lifted for those California feed lot beeks. ( I actually think would be an
excellent test to see if bee problems started again in California with the
ban lifted) Of course I would not buy and feed but would be interested in
the results seen in California.
The China pollen recall cost sellers big bucks.
Aphis felt problems could be had with bringing in problems with irradiated
bee pollen. Many ( even a few close friends!) beeks protested to Aphis but
Aphis felt even irradiated pollen could be a big problem.
coincidence?
Once California beeks were forced to stop using the Chinese pollen CCD
problems dropped dramatically.
coincidence:
California beeks had the most reported CCD and were the users of most of the
Chinese pollen.
Coincidence:
Now we find Canada is using mass amounts and reporting substantial losses
( winter kill of course)
Aphis ( Dr. Colin Stewart to be exact) looked at the huge amount of china
irradiated pollen coming in ( container after container) and saw a problem.
research showed *could* be a problem.
However apparently Canada does not. China bee feed pollen sold for less than
$2 a pound in bulk. Plenty cheap for patties.
I sell pollen I collect for $14 a pound. It would be impossible for U.S. or
Canada beeks to compete with China dumping bee pollen.
What do you sell your pollen for Lloyd? I was being kind when i said an
ounce was 15% Peter. Global patty sells for less than $2 a pound patty
with 15% pollen.
Maybe a Canada beek will provide a source as I am interested in buying a
large amount of U.S. bee feed pollen a price low enough I could add 15% to a
pound patty and sell for less than $2 a pound patty.
I have been sitting here with a calculator and the only way I can see is
with a imported irradiated pollen.
I figure cost on everything I purchase for my business. Nothing wrong with
my math. Also this post is not directed at Allen or Canadians. Only trying
to understand the issue.
I think Allen pointing out all Global patties sold into the U.S. has to be
made with U.S. pollen says the ban is still in effect. However Aphis does no
checking. Makes rules with no enforcement.
Food for thought.
bob
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