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Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology

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Subject:
From:
Bob Harrison <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues and Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Sun, 22 Aug 2004 09:43:42 -0500
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>> I have been noticing several DWV affected bees outside of my garden
>> hives. Definitely HIGH mite levels.  I cannot use Apistan, much less
>> check-mite due to organic restrictions on the farm.  (I would not
anyway).

Many of BEE-L know I have problems with the whole issue of organic honey.
When a person selling "organic honey" spends the money to have his honey
tested on a mass spec machine to assure zero problems I might buy in. We all
know large scale testing will never happen due to cost.

In a recent discussion over " organic honey" over why a hive headed with a
queen which had been instrumentally inseminated could not be certified as
organic I raised a few other important issues.

The person had bought nucs from a beekeeper (frames included)  which had
used both apistan & checkmite plus terramycin. Of course the future organic
beekeeper was not going to use any of those things. Hmmm.

Also almost all packages & queens today come from hives in which chemicals
have been used. Bees raised in cells in hives  which without a doubt
fluvalinate and coumaphos could be found with a mass spec machine. Hmmm.

I have not fault with beekeepers saying they practice "organic principals"
when managing their hives. Advertise not using chemical treatments.

Giving beekeepers (and large beekeeping corporations) the right  to label
honey as "organic" with the type of policing in place today is absurd in my
opinion.

The whole system is basically on the honor system. Until the person selling
under the organic label can prove through testing their honey is better than
mine I remain unconvinced.

Serious questions:
Do you really know the level of contamination in your wax (both
environmental and from past beekeeping practices)?

Can you say for sure that your bees are not flying over  and landing on
contamination? (what's in a so many mile rule?) Many illegal dumps are
around (especially in the rural country).

Is the current honor system enough?
(Having grown and sold produce when I see perfect produce & fruits sold at
our farmer's market under the organic label I have got doubts!)
I grew organic fruit for thirteen years!

Is the honey being sold under the organic level really purer than other
honey not under the organic level?
(Private testing done by a few large beekeepers and not made public says
NO!)

Bob

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