>As a local beekeeper, I feel strongly that migratory beekeeping brings pests and parasites into my locale, but I support their right to carry on their livelihood and would not support restricting their right to do so (excepting creating a nuisance, etc). 

So are they not creating a nuisance by bringing in pests and diseases?

> Beekeepers engaged in raising Italian queens for sale would have their livelihoods extinguished.

The laws in Italy are the result of democracy.  None of us have a right to make a living by ignoring the wishes of the democratic majority.  If we don't like it then we can argue against it and try to get the law changed.

Incidentally, I understand that in Austria there are two defined areas where beekeepers can only keep a single sub-species; one for A.m.m. and one for A.m.c.  They also have mating stations set up specifically for each.

I believe that Poland also has forest areas where only A.m.m. (?) is allowed.

Best wishes

Peter 
52°14'44.44"N, 1°50'35"W

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html