The British Beekeepers' Association
National Beekeeping Centre, Stoneleigh-park, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire CV8 2LG

STATEMENT

The British Beekeepers Association is pleased to see that its sustained campaign to increase funding for bee health research has been recognised by the Government and that an extra £400,000 a year for the next five years will be found for much needed research.

The overwhelming support of the public for bees was clearly demonstrated during 2008 when over 140,000 people signed a BBKA petition to increase this research funding from Government.

BBKA chairman Martin Smith, said: ”Honey bees are a vital part of the eco system and beekeepers are the nation’s, nearly all unpaid, custodians of these important insects.

“The BBKA will continue to work with Government to ensure that funding is allocated to the most important issues facing bees and beekeeping so that we can maintain healthy stocks.

“The BBKA survey of members showed that bee numbers declined by 30% during winter 2007/8 and beekeepers are anxiously waiting to see how their bees fare this winter.

“Properly funded research into the causes of the decline in numbers is vital. The BBKA welcomes the Government ‘s announcement as the start to finding the £8 million required over the next five years for bee health research.”



ENDS


21 January 2009