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Date: | Mon, 23 Oct 2006 12:44:56 -0400 |
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The recent discussion on organic apples and commercial success made me
wonder how much commercial success "organic" beekeeping has had.
It seems that most of the support for all things natural on this list is
from small time or hobby beekeepers. I wonder how many "natural"
commercial and especially migratory beekeepers there are.
It would also be interesting to see if that group makes money on a
commercial sustaining manner that the large migratory beekeepers enjoy.
One thing that has been consistent in my observation of "organic"
farmers here in Maine is they are small scale and marginal as far as
their impact on the market, mostly because their product is much more
expensive and labor intensive. I keep seeing new faces as the old ones
disappear. Most of the successful ones go for niche markets like a
specific salad green that the big guys do not bother with.
Same with "organic" beekeepers. I know many who were serious and vocal
advocates but who no longer keep bees. I know of no "natural"
pollinators who were successful or even tried. I do know of one
"organic" beekeeper who makes a living at it but he is small scale and
cheats.
So, all you large scale successful "organic" or "small bee" continental
US commercial beekeepers, let us hear from you as to the size of your
operation and your bottom line.
Commercial means it is your only source of income, and it is from which
you make your living.
Bill Truesdell (Disclaimer- I am not not have I ever been a commercial
beekeeper.)
Bath, Maine
-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---
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