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MEP backs beekeepers in helping to control disease
WHITBY beekeepers who are fighting a disease which threatens to wipe out bees throughout the world have gained the support of North Yorkshire MEP Edward MacMillan-Scott.
Members of Whitby and District Beekeepers’ Association met Mr MacMillan-Scott to discuss with him their North York Moors Honeybee Conservation Project.
Following the meeting, association spokesman Tony Jefferson, from Raw, said: “Mr MacMillan-Scott listened to us and was very positive in his response so we’re hoping to get support from the European Parliament through his efforts.
“Primarily the project sets out to maintain some form of control over a geographical area to reduce the further mongrelisation of the local bee strain.
“The project follows the hard work expended over the last five years, led by our member John Dews who has published papers in BeeCraft Improvement, Beecraft and BK Quarterly.
“As beekeepers we need to work closely together for mutual gain.
“It’s fine getting large sums of money for research but we cannot just sit back and wait for something to pop out at the end of these research projects because they’ll obviously take time to co-ordinate, check and validate.
“We must act collectively and improve aspects that are within our control and which usually do not actually cost loads of money.
“Considerable effort in time and energy is required but is that not what beekeeping associations are set up for?
“The interesting fact is in the Whitby area, there are colonies of bees that now demonstrate more than 50% of fallen mites are being damaged by the bees themselves so improving this behaviour is our goal.”
Mr Dews is making an intensive study of combating the varroa mite, which causes the disease, by employing selective breeding and controlled chemical use.
The good news is beekeeping is becoming more popular in the Whitby area with a 15% increase in membership.
Mr Jefferson said: “This is fantastic news as it spreads bees around a larger area and improves pollination dramatically.
“But new beekeepers need to learn so we’re holding more indoor meetings in addition to our planned programme of apiary meetings.”
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Friday 25 May 2012
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