I received an email from a British fellow who writes the blog. Apparently the British Bee Keepers Association (BBKA) is accepting sponsorship from Bayer. He doesn't condone the use of pesticides (actually he adamantly opposes it) and is just appouled by this. I have to say, I am surprised by it too. It does seem unethical that the British Beekeepers Association would except money from a pesticide manufacturer. Anyway, Im not British and I know little about this, but I thought I would post his email to further his cause:
Quote
Dear Beekeeper,
I was up extra early this morning adding an entry to my blog http://§¤«£¿æ.blogspot.com/ (http://"http://§¤«£¿æ.blogspot.com/")
Whatever your position on the BBKA/Bayer/pesticides issue, I hope you will take a few minutes to read and - if possible - comment on this post.
I would like it to be read by an many people as possible, so please pass the link to any of your beekeeper friends - particularly if they are members of the BBKA.
We only have one chance - the January Annual Delegates Meeting - to have this endorsement deal stopped. If it gets voted through this time, it will be extremely difficult to get it back on the agenda: once the BBKA has its members' passive assent, British beekeeping will, I believe, fall increasingly under the influence of the biotech/agrichem industry and it will never be the same again.
Please pass this link around as widely as possible - http://§¤«£¿æ.blogspot.com/ (http://"http://§¤«£¿æ.blogspot.com/") - the future of independent beekeeping in Britain - even the future of our bees - may depend on it.
Thank you for your help.
§¤«£¿æ
The link does not work.
Why is the information that is so important, only available from a blog? And if I'm not mistaken, has not the BBKA been taking money for years? If anyone wants the full details, I would suggest a bit more reading than the personal typed blogs and opinions that seem to flow out of the U.K. on schedule every year on this subject, by a few individuals. I know I have read details in the past of why they get money, and the reasoning behind it. And I do not remember it being on the basis of letting pesticide companies run rampant killing everything in their sight, or some behind the scene payoff.
I know several U.K. beekeepers that that on day one of CCD, claimed 100% without a doubt that it was GM crops. But that seems to change every now and then depending on what day, and what "blinders" they sport for the days agenda.
I'm not for bee associations taking money from pesticide companies. And if that's the only compliant, there should be reasoning, before this seemingly constant drumbeat about every company, and everything. I do not treat. I have spent much time defending myself after stepping on toes of those in the industry that may be at odds to what I say. But I don't jump at personal blogs of every koolaid drinking guy out there with a personal agenda. And I question anyone who adamantly opposes anything across the board such as all chemicals, all antibiotics, etc.
QuoteAnd if that's the only compliant, there should be reasoning,
Whether it is true or not is one thing, if it is, I would like to know the reasoning too. Someone or a company isn't just going to give out money like that without something in return. Research for example.
Presuming Bayer may well be looking into new varroa treatments over the coming years?
As a second year beek, speaking to people it seems that part of the problem with the mite is that the tretments used over the years haven't been changed often enough and thus resistance has built up?
Don't know much about the funding the BBKA receives from verious different bodies and what Bayer may want in return but if this is true then only time will tell.
QuoteAs a second year beek, speaking to people it seems that part of the problem with the mite is that the tretments used over the years haven't been changed often enough and thus resistance has built up?
Yes. Besides that, you have a lot of beeks who don't like using chemical treatments at all. Regardless of whether or not they change the chemicals used, it is still not good for the bees. As I am sure you are aware, there seems to be more and more using more natural methods and chemical free methods of keeping bees. Unfortunately there are a lot who will never change because they are either set in their ways or their operation would cost too much to change over to a new method. Probably other reasons too, but you get the idea.
for some reason i just cant type §¤«£¿æ.blogspot.com (his blog address), §¤«£¿æ (his name) or phil@§¤«£¿æ.com (his email address). Bizarre. Well if his name and address is blocked by this forum, I suppose we should just end this thread here. Sorry beemaster, I didnt know :D
Melilem, that was plenty to google it. I'm guessing he's been banned on just about every site out there. Interesting info, but I can see from the business perspective that every site will probably experience the inclination to distance themselves from him for safety.
Maybe it's for the safety of the member's here.