07/24/07 Beekeepers to advise WSDA; a colony collapse plan

Washington Ag July 24, 2007 An advisory panel of beekeepers, a university researcher and an orchardist has been formed to recommend research needed by the state's bee industry and also enhance communications with the Washington State Department of Agriculture. WSDA created the committee at the request of industry as a mechanism to obtain advice on issues affecting the apiary industry, including hobby beekeepers. Meanwhile, at the national level USDA has announced a Colony Collapse Disorder, or CCD Research Action plan. USDA Under Secretary Gale Buchanan says there were enough honey bees to provide pollination for U.S. agriculture this year, but beekeepers could face a serious problem next year and beyond. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns says that while they are unsure about the cause, or causes, of CCD, the research is focusing on four major areas. Johanns: "Stress related to nutrition, transportation, and beekeeper colony management strategies, parasite mites, pathogens like bacteria, fungi and viruses and pesticides." USDA says honey bees are essential for production of more than 90 food crops including apples, blueberries and peaches. I'm Bob Hoff.