In a message dated 96-02-20 15:59:18 EST, David Eyre writes: >I think it only fair to bring this to your attention, we all seem to be >using the term 'Buckfast' too easily. My information tells me that there has >been no importation of 'Buckfast' into the US for many years, with my >knowledge of bee breeding and the gradual loss of purity I would suggest >they cannot be called that anymore. It is highly unlikely that the traits >you are looking for are still there. Buckfast Abbey have a licensing policy, >and very strict controls of quality. To my knowledge there is no licensing >agreement between Buckfast and the U.S.A. > **************************************************** > * David Eyre 9 Progress Drive, Unit 2, * > * The Beeworks, Orillia, Ontario, L3V 6H1.* Don't let the Weavers in Texas hear you say that. Last I heard they have a license. I understand they pay $1 to Buckfast Abbey for every queen sold. I have also have read that drone semen is supplied to maintain the stock. Granted, that is not the same as a mated queen, but it still is a genetic transfer. When I had the opportunity to meet Br. Adam in 1993, I asked about the Weavers and he indicated they still maintained the Buckfast strain. Regards, David Morris Laurel, Md