Dear Subscribers,
Board of Managers Meeting, Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Meeting via telephone conference called to Order by President Tommy Duggar 7:06 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
Present:
Gary Ranker, Suncoast, Tampa
Ray Claxton, Northeast, Jacksonville
Dan Killingsworth, Escarosa
Dennis Riggs, Southwest
David Webb, VP, Orange Blossom
Keith Councell, Southwest
Bert Kelley, Ridge
Ron Weisburg, Southwest
Tony Hogg, Appalachee
Beth Fox, Orange Blossom
Brendhan Horne, Palm Beach
Bert Gwaltney, Tupelo
Karen Wassmer, Northeast Florida
Michael Shreves, Tri-County
Cindy Belknap, Alachua
Wayne McChesney, Alachua
Tom Nolan, Suncoast
Mickie Stewart, Putnam
Jerry Hayes
Jerry Hayes asked to speak briefly at the beginning of the meeting. He urged those going to Tallahassee to ensure that the value of the honey bee to Florida agriculture is emphasized during conversations with legislators. Although not emphasized by Mr. Hayes, Malcolm Sanford also asked members to not forget to mention to legislators the value of apiary inspection to Florida beekeepers as this is likely to be an area where budgetary cuts might be made during this difficult financial time.
Discussion of what constitutes a quorum. The constitution Article 4, Number 6 states: “For any Board meeting, the President, Vice-President, Executive Secretary and three other members constitutes a quorum.” There was no quorum last meeting based on this. With the attendance of the Vice President at this meeting, a quorum was declared.
Discussion of reinstating the Florida Honey Queen program by Beth Fox. She has been able to find support among some local associations who would be interested in nominating a Florida honey queen. The queen program, she said, is not a beauty pageant, but a “knowledge” pageant dedicated to public relations for beekeeping. Among those chosen by local associations, a state contest would be mounted to pick the best one to represent the Florida State Beekeepers Association in competition with queens from others states run by the American Beekeeping Federation.
The queen program was dropped in Florida several years ago (1998). See the “history” button at http://floridabeekeepers.org There is money in the budget for this activity, which has not been touched in years. Motion by Gary Ranker, to nominate Beth Fox as chairperson for Florida Honey Queen Committee. Seconded by Brendhan Horne. Discussion that the program was dropped due to various issues, including lack of financial support and the inability to find enough chaperones to transport and put up the queens as they traveled around the state. Motion passed unanimously.
Discussion of Farm Bureau Day March 16 in Tallahassee. David Webb said Elmore Herman has traditionally organized this event, and is asking for ideas and information for this year's event. He will call Elmore and talk to him about the results of this BOM meeting. Tony Hogg to also call to coordinate with Mr. Herman who was not on the call. Discussion of banner; same one used in Orlando; Bert Kelley has this. Dan Killingsworth offered to bring a professional backdrop. David Webb to bring study charts of honey bees. Point person to coordinate this activity is Tony Hogg of the Apalachee Beekeepers Assocation, phone 904-545-1072, e-mail: capthogg@bellsouth.net
Contact him if you are planning on attending. It is emphasized that this is a Florida Farm Bureau event and that beekeepers should consider joining and contacting their local county Farm Bureau representative to also help coordinate a visit with legislators while in Tallahassee.
Discussion of two senate bills that will benefit beekeepers, SB 1900 and SB 2376
The former is a generalized bill being proposed that does not mention honey, but still is related. The latter is all about honey and states:
SB 2376 : amending s. 500.03, F.S. An act relating to honey;
amending s. 500.03, F.S.; revising the definitions for “food establishment” and “raw agricultural commodity” to exclude the packaging or sale of honey from regulatory requirements relating to food establishments;
amending s. 500.12, F.S.; exempting beekeepers who produce, bottle, and sell their own honey directly to consumers from the requirement to obtain a food permit; requiring the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to establish a work group to develop best-management practices for bottling honey in a home environment.
Beekeepers registered under chapter 586 who produce, bottle, and sell their own honey directly to consumers.
Section 3. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is directed to establish a workgroup that includes representation from the Florida State Beekeepers Association, the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, and registered beekeepers who produce less than $15,000 per year in gross retail honey sales. The purpose of the workgroup is to develop common sense, best-management practices for small beekeepers and honey producers relating to bottling honey for retail sale in a home environment. The department shall prepare a report summarizing the progress and recommendations of the workgroup, which shall be published on
the department’s website by July 1, 2011
Motion by Ron Weisburg that the Florida State Beekeepers Association go on record supporting both bills and that a letter be written on FSBA stationary stating this and then distributed to legislators and others. Seconded by Calvin Wilcox. Discussion revolved around whether the Florida Farm Bureau would support SB 1900 as is may contain a provision for raw milk, which the Farm Bureau will vigorously oppose. Motion passed unanimously.
Secretary Sanford to write a letter to be delivered to Tommy Duggar for signature and distribution. In addition, electronic copies will be forwarded to Dennis Riggs, Beekeepers Association of Southwest Florida (BASF), for further distribution. Further information on this issue by Mr. Riggs can also be seen at the BASF web site
The proposed letter follows:
Letterhead Logo:
Tommy Duggar
15668 N.W. Lane
Bristol, FL 32321
March 2, 2010
To Whom It May Concern,
The Florida State Beekeepers Association Board of Managers has voted unanimously at its meeting on March 2, 2010 to support both Florida Senate Bills 1900 and 2376. These contain provisions which will enable beekeepers to process and sell their honey in local markets. They are considered vital if the Florida Beekeeping Industry is to maintain its integrity and viability in the future. Thanks for supporting Florida's beekeepers and in the process ensuring an adequate supply of honey bees for pollination of both wild and cultivated plants in the Sunshine State.
Sincerely,
Tommy Duggar
President
beekeeper55@yahoo.com
850-556-4806
Subsequent information from Roger Twitchell of the Apalachee Beekeepers Association has been received concerning SB 2376:
Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 13:16:28 -0500
Subject: SB 2376 – Honey
Roger as you probably already know we were not able to get a House sponsor for this bill and also the Department of Agriculture said that they would not support the bill
Areas of concern with this bill include the revised definition of a food establishment as well as the definition of raw agricultural commodity. As the bill language is currently constructed, the bill would exempt far more than small sellers of honey from regulatory oversight as well as potentially impact enforcement of the standard of identify for honey. I have spoken with representatives of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services who have indicated that they are willing to discuss your concerns, including development of guidance documents for obtaining a permit, as well as development of best management practices for the industry. I believe that it will be more productive at this juncture to enter into such discussions.
I look forward to working with you next year on legislation.
Lynn E. Web,
Florida State Senator, District 7
Florida State Beekeepers presence at the Bee College. Cindy Belknap is to be the point person for the Association's presence at the Bee College in St. Augustine http://ufhoneybee.com. She will work with Brendhan Horne and Treasurer Bert Kelley in that capacity. E-mail her at cbelknap@uff.ufl.edu, phone 352-256-7962 to participate in this activity.
Discussion of the web site. Secretary Sanford has received an offer of help to continue to update and manage the FSBA web site at http://floridabeekeepers.org by Brendhan Horne, current president of the Palm Beach Beekeepers Association. They will work together in the future to ensure the site is current and contains the proper information.
Closing remarks by Calvin Wilcox that the Board of Managers was to be congratulated for its efforts on behalf of Florida's beekeepers. Seconded by Ray Claxton.
Meeting adjourned 8:25 p.m. Next meeting date not announced.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Malcolm T. Sanford
Executive Secretary
Florida State Beekeepers Association
http://floridabeekeepers.org
beeactor@apisenterprises.com
Board of Managers Meeting, Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Meeting via telephone conference called to Order by President Tommy Duggar 7:06 p.m. Eastern Standard Time
Present:
Gary Ranker, Suncoast, Tampa
Ray Claxton, Northeast, Jacksonville
Dan Killingsworth, Escarosa
Dennis Riggs, Southwest
David Webb, VP, Orange Blossom
Keith Councell, Southwest
Bert Kelley, Ridge
Ron Weisburg, Southwest
Tony Hogg, Appalachee
Beth Fox, Orange Blossom
Brendhan Horne, Palm Beach
Bert Gwaltney, Tupelo
Karen Wassmer, Northeast Florida
Michael Shreves, Tri-County
Cindy Belknap, Alachua
Wayne McChesney, Alachua
Tom Nolan, Suncoast
Mickie Stewart, Putnam
Jerry Hayes
Jerry Hayes asked to speak briefly at the beginning of the meeting. He urged those going to Tallahassee to ensure that the value of the honey bee to Florida agriculture is emphasized during conversations with legislators. Although not emphasized by Mr. Hayes, Malcolm Sanford also asked members to not forget to mention to legislators the value of apiary inspection to Florida beekeepers as this is likely to be an area where budgetary cuts might be made during this difficult financial time.
Discussion of what constitutes a quorum. The constitution Article 4, Number 6 states: “For any Board meeting, the President, Vice-President, Executive Secretary and three other members constitutes a quorum.” There was no quorum last meeting based on this. With the attendance of the Vice President at this meeting, a quorum was declared.
Discussion of reinstating the Florida Honey Queen program by Beth Fox. She has been able to find support among some local associations who would be interested in nominating a Florida honey queen. The queen program, she said, is not a beauty pageant, but a “knowledge” pageant dedicated to public relations for beekeeping. Among those chosen by local associations, a state contest would be mounted to pick the best one to represent the Florida State Beekeepers Association in competition with queens from others states run by the American Beekeeping Federation.
The queen program was dropped in Florida several years ago (1998). See the “history” button at http://floridabeekeepers.org There is money in the budget for this activity, which has not been touched in years. Motion by Gary Ranker, to nominate Beth Fox as chairperson for Florida Honey Queen Committee. Seconded by Brendhan Horne. Discussion that the program was dropped due to various issues, including lack of financial support and the inability to find enough chaperones to transport and put up the queens as they traveled around the state. Motion passed unanimously.
Discussion of Farm Bureau Day March 16 in Tallahassee. David Webb said Elmore Herman has traditionally organized this event, and is asking for ideas and information for this year's event. He will call Elmore and talk to him about the results of this BOM meeting. Tony Hogg to also call to coordinate with Mr. Herman who was not on the call. Discussion of banner; same one used in Orlando; Bert Kelley has this. Dan Killingsworth offered to bring a professional backdrop. David Webb to bring study charts of honey bees. Point person to coordinate this activity is Tony Hogg of the Apalachee Beekeepers Assocation, phone 904-545-1072, e-mail: capthogg@bellsouth.net
Contact him if you are planning on attending. It is emphasized that this is a Florida Farm Bureau event and that beekeepers should consider joining and contacting their local county Farm Bureau representative to also help coordinate a visit with legislators while in Tallahassee.
Discussion of two senate bills that will benefit beekeepers, SB 1900 and SB 2376
The former is a generalized bill being proposed that does not mention honey, but still is related. The latter is all about honey and states:
SB 2376 : amending s. 500.03, F.S. An act relating to honey;
amending s. 500.03, F.S.; revising the definitions for “food establishment” and “raw agricultural commodity” to exclude the packaging or sale of honey from regulatory requirements relating to food establishments;
amending s. 500.12, F.S.; exempting beekeepers who produce, bottle, and sell their own honey directly to consumers from the requirement to obtain a food permit; requiring the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to establish a work group to develop best-management practices for bottling honey in a home environment.
Beekeepers registered under chapter 586 who produce, bottle, and sell their own honey directly to consumers.
Section 3. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is directed to establish a workgroup that includes representation from the Florida State Beekeepers Association, the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, and registered beekeepers who produce less than $15,000 per year in gross retail honey sales. The purpose of the workgroup is to develop common sense, best-management practices for small beekeepers and honey producers relating to bottling honey for retail sale in a home environment. The department shall prepare a report summarizing the progress and recommendations of the workgroup, which shall be published on
the department’s website by July 1, 2011
Motion by Ron Weisburg that the Florida State Beekeepers Association go on record supporting both bills and that a letter be written on FSBA stationary stating this and then distributed to legislators and others. Seconded by Calvin Wilcox. Discussion revolved around whether the Florida Farm Bureau would support SB 1900 as is may contain a provision for raw milk, which the Farm Bureau will vigorously oppose. Motion passed unanimously.
Secretary Sanford to write a letter to be delivered to Tommy Duggar for signature and distribution. In addition, electronic copies will be forwarded to Dennis Riggs, Beekeepers Association of Southwest Florida (BASF), for further distribution. Further information on this issue by Mr. Riggs can also be seen at the BASF web site
The proposed letter follows:
Letterhead Logo:
Tommy Duggar
15668 N.W. Lane
Bristol, FL 32321
March 2, 2010
To Whom It May Concern,
The Florida State Beekeepers Association Board of Managers has voted unanimously at its meeting on March 2, 2010 to support both Florida Senate Bills 1900 and 2376. These contain provisions which will enable beekeepers to process and sell their honey in local markets. They are considered vital if the Florida Beekeeping Industry is to maintain its integrity and viability in the future. Thanks for supporting Florida's beekeepers and in the process ensuring an adequate supply of honey bees for pollination of both wild and cultivated plants in the Sunshine State.
Sincerely,
Tommy Duggar
President
beekeeper55@yahoo.com
850-556-4806
Subsequent information from Roger Twitchell of the Apalachee Beekeepers Association has been received concerning SB 2376:
Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2010 13:16:28 -0500
Subject: SB 2376 – Honey
Roger as you probably already know we were not able to get a House sponsor for this bill and also the Department of Agriculture said that they would not support the bill
Areas of concern with this bill include the revised definition of a food establishment as well as the definition of raw agricultural commodity. As the bill language is currently constructed, the bill would exempt far more than small sellers of honey from regulatory oversight as well as potentially impact enforcement of the standard of identify for honey. I have spoken with representatives of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services who have indicated that they are willing to discuss your concerns, including development of guidance documents for obtaining a permit, as well as development of best management practices for the industry. I believe that it will be more productive at this juncture to enter into such discussions.
I look forward to working with you next year on legislation.
Lynn E. Web,
Florida State Senator, District 7
Florida State Beekeepers presence at the Bee College. Cindy Belknap is to be the point person for the Association's presence at the Bee College in St. Augustine http://ufhoneybee.com. She will work with Brendhan Horne and Treasurer Bert Kelley in that capacity. E-mail her at cbelknap@uff.ufl.edu, phone 352-256-7962 to participate in this activity.
Discussion of the web site. Secretary Sanford has received an offer of help to continue to update and manage the FSBA web site at http://floridabeekeepers.org by Brendhan Horne, current president of the Palm Beach Beekeepers Association. They will work together in the future to ensure the site is current and contains the proper information.
Closing remarks by Calvin Wilcox that the Board of Managers was to be congratulated for its efforts on behalf of Florida's beekeepers. Seconded by Ray Claxton.
Meeting adjourned 8:25 p.m. Next meeting date not announced.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr. Malcolm T. Sanford
Executive Secretary
Florida State Beekeepers Association
http://floridabeekeepers.org
beeactor@apisenterprises.com