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

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