To all honey producers: This subject has been touched upon before, but the impact on beekeepers could be serious. Many might be driven out of the business. The following was forwarded to me from Joe Rowland, honey producer in upstate New York: "An A.P.B. on the N.H.B. legislation pending in Congress- The House Agriculture Committee is in the process of reviewing the proposed expansion and reorganization of the National Honey Board (NHB). This is the final opportunity for beekeepers to voice their opinions to Congress on this extremely important issue which could prove pivotal to the future of the U.S. beekeeping industry. The February issue of the _American Bee Journal_ contains a more specific critique of the proposed legislation entitled "The 2 cent board", a beekeeper's assessment. If enacted, honey producers will lose control of the NHB, commercial beekeepers will see their Honey Board "Income Tax" soar, and the stage will be set for increased regulation and bureaucracy industry-wide. It is likely that a decision will be reached by the Committee before the end of March 1998. Please contact the following key members of the House Agricultural Committee immediately and urge them to keep the Honey Board legislation out of 'HB 2534', the Agricultural Research Bill. Robert Smith (Chairman) : Fax 202 225 5774 Charles Stenholm Larry Combest All at: U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee 1301 LHOB Washington, D.C. 20515 House of Representatives switchboard: 202-225-3121 Anyone willing to assist in the effort to block this bill should contact fellow beekeepers and urge them to communicate their opposition immediately to these key Committee members, Robert Smith in particular."