CATCH THE BUZZ

Latest News from Project Apis m.

Visit us on the Web at www.projectapism.org

Jan. 5, 2009

Welcome to the latest edition of the Project Apis m. Newsletter

What is Project Apis m? A non-profit organization founded in December 2006, Project Apis m (or PAm) is focused on finding practical solutions to beekeepers' challenges by supporting practical, results-oriented in-field research.

• PAm updates website! - - Go to www.ProjectApism.org and take a peek at PAm’s new website.  Now two years old, PAm’s influence on the beekeeping world has been significant and in an effort to continue that momentum, the website has been updated to be more informative and easier to keep current.
   

• Dan Cummings sums up almond industry outlook for beekeepers - - Dan Cummings, at the Almond Board’s annual conference summed up the status of the almond industry for beekeepers, citing decreased almond prices, increased grower input costs and water shortage as significant concerns for almond growers.  These factors will affect their decision on honey bee stocking rates for the 2009 season.  Beekeepers need a good contract in place and an on-going dialogue with their almond growers.  For a complete version of Dan’s comments, click here   For a sample pollination contract click here
   

• Dr. Eric Mussen suggests fungicide exposure to bees is not directly lethal, but may set a  colony back  –- for a very complete article on grower-applied fungicides and their effect on honey bees, see UC Apiaries (Nov/Dec 2008) click here .  Dr. Mussen compares fungicide exposure to California buckeye poisoning while instructing, when possible, that fungicide applications be made late afternoon after most pollen has been collected.  Also summarized are various other topics including how to report bee pesticide losses, treating for varroa with a flash formic acid treatment, and information on supplemental feeding. 
   

• PAm - funded research stands out at Almond Board Conference  –- Chris Heintz, PAm’s executive director, presented a summary of nationwide honey bee research efforts at the Almond Board’s annual conference.  PAm’s contribution to honey bee research is significant.   Click here to see a summary of PAm and also Almond Board research projects.

• PAm is assisting to solve the CCD mystery- - In PAm’s relatively short two year history, this organization has pumped over $300,000 into practical honey bee research.  PAm is pursuing a multi-dimensional strategy to resolve the current Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) crisis.  Through a strategic effort including funding studies on bee nutrition, virus detection, pesticide exposure, Nosema and practical beekeeping management, PAm is helping scientists around the country determine the factors that have led the decline in honey bee hives.  For a summary of PAm’s research efforts click here.
   

• PAm weighs in on Aussie package controversy – On December 18^th, after consultation with Board members, PAm drafted a letter to APHIS representatives opposing importation of Australian package bees into the U.S. citing several reasons why the benefit of importation does not warrant the risks associated with their importation.  Because PAm is a pro-active leader in bee health issues, the Board stands in opposition of new threats that could diminish PAm’s commitment to colony health. 
   

• Were you a 2008 Paramount beekeeper? Don’t pass up this opportunity! -- If you sent hives to Paramount Farming Co. orchards, during the 2008 pollination season, Paramount will generously match your contribution to PAm, dollar-for-dollar.  Write your check to PAm, send it our address below, and include a note that you were a Paramount beekeeper.  “A buck a hive” becomes two bucks and will go a long way to helping PAm resolve our many bee challenges.  Time is running out to collect for the 2008 season. Do your part, and Paramount will help!
   

•  Take part in PAm’s research vision!  -- Make your donation now to Project Apis m, Why PAm?  Because PAm funds bee research that is selected and guided by beekeepers.  PAm’s research efforts seek to find practical solutions for managed colonies.  PAm’s funding produces research results that can be transferred efficiently into the day-to-day practices of beekeepers.    PAm is non-profit and has a low overhead. Click here to donate.

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Got News? Please send us your news item to Christi Heintz christi@projectapism.org

Donations. Suggested contribution: A buck a hive - beekeeper and grower. Write this contribution for research into your pollination contracts. Send your tax deductible contribution to:

Project Apis m.

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