Hi to all,

It appears that there is a trend of decreasing honey prices at present.
 From a Canadian point of view - it seems a little strange as the crop
for 2004 is again reduced when compared to previous years.

But the type of comment above, is as ever too simplistic.

What is happening in other producing/exporting areas.
Historical producer/buyer bluff and other fun and games that result in a
merry go round of who can extract the most.
Past and ongoing contamination problems of honey with unauthorized
pesticides and medications.

These are activities within the honey industry - and as such are, or
should be rectified by the said industry.

But taking GMO and the consequences of their presence in an area where
the beekeeper has no or little sphere of influence:

The EU and other countries have taken a stance (one which I do not wish
to enter into debate over in this mail !) resulting in the imposition of
importation bans for commodities containing GMO material.

Honey from Canada being a prime example - it often containing GMO pollen
from Canola (Rape).
The loss of the export of this honey reflects on the revenues of
beekeepers. There has been no method of reclaiming this financial loss.

It, I presume is tough on the beekeepers, Canola is king and all must
bow before it.
Bow we have and continue to do so.

Strange, wheat potentially being allied with Genetically modified
material caused an outcry from producers/ commodity dealers etc.. They
foresaw an export market loss - and lo and behold, the projects were
shelved.

Searching for "accidental" contamination of foodstuffs entering the EU
etc. reveals a continual entry from US, Canada and Argentina of
Genetically modified material.

Exports of honey to EU from Canada, as mentioned are banned. Exports
have slumped.

Who is supplying the EU now?

How are EU beekeepers managing with GMO programs, taking into account
that here, rape pollen is quoted as being dispersed up to 25 miles from
source plant.
Maize is often quoted as not being a pollen source for bees - but whilst
I was in France it was proven to be a common supply for bees in areas
that cultivated it. Maize is a GMO prime crop.

What is the future for this type of importation ban?

Curious,

Peter

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and  other info ---
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::