Beekeeping world buzzing over new interest (From Daily Echo)

Beekeeping world buzzing over new interest

10:11am Saturday 21st November 2009

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BEEKEEPING is buzzing again after a Hampshire club reported a surge in membership.

Hampshire Beekeepers’ Association (HBA) recorded an increase of 250 members this year on top of its 900-strong base.

The boost comes a year after bee colonies across the county were reported to have plummeted by a third.

About 200 HBA members attended an annual convention at Barton Peveril College and heard a lecture on the latest research using fungi to tackle the varroa mite – the prime suspect in colony collapse.

They were joined by Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne, who handed out a series of prizes.

He said: “Bees are an essential part of the ecological system that enable us to survive.

“Without their efforts in pollinating plants, our agricultural and horticultural economy would collapse.

“That is why it is so crucial to research the causes of the problems facing bees.

“It is marvellous news that Hampshire’s beekeepers are in the throes of a great revival as people realise what is at stake and want to help.”

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