Vermont Beekeepers Rebuke Agency of Agriculture’s Assessment That the Industry Is in Good Health

 Vermont Beekeepers Rebuke Agency of Agriculture’s Assessment That the Industry Is in Good Health

A recent report from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, claiming the thriving health of Vermont honeybees, has drawn criticism from beekeepers. The report, indicating high colony numbers and reduced disease reports, has been rebuked by the Vermont Beekeepers Association, arguing that it misrepresents the challenges faced by the industry. The disagreement revolves around how colony numbers are assessed and whether an increase in colonies truly reflects the overall health of beekeeping in the state.

1. Agency's Positive Assessment:

   • The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets reported that Vermont honeybees are thriving, with high colony numbers and effective management of colony stressors, leading to a successful beekeeping industry in the state.

2. Beekeepers' Concerns:

   • Vermont Beekeepers Association President, Jeff Battaglini, disputes the positive assessment, stating that the industry is struggling with significant losses that are challenging to recover from. He emphasizes that colony numbers alone do not accurately represent the industry's health.

3. Misleading Colony Numbers:

   • Beekeepers argue that the reported 43% increase in honeybee colonies from 2016 to 2023 is misleading. The distinction between migratory and stationary colonies is crucial, and the report's failure to differentiate creates a potentially inflated picture of the state's total number of colonies.

4. Impact of Splitting Colonies:

   • The reported increase is questioned as it doesn't consider the practice of beekeepers splitting colonies, which is often a response to losses. While an increase in the number of colonies may be observed, these splits may not contribute to honey production or the overall strength of the colonies.

5. Beekeeper Associations' Response:

   • The Vermont Beekeepers Association issued a statement to "set the record straight," asserting that the reported increase may be attributed to more accurate reporting rather than a substantial growth in beekeeping activity.

6. Colony Loss as a True Indicator:

   • Beekeepers argue that colony loss is a more accurate indicator of the industry's health. Data from the Bee Informed Partnership showing Vermont beekeepers' annual colony losses reveals significant challenges, with an average loss of 27% in the most recent period.

7. Pesticide Regulations Advocacy:

   • Beekeepers have been advocating for pesticide regulation reforms in the Statehouse. A law enacted in 2022 requires the Agency of Agriculture to develop best management practices for neonicotinoid-coated seeds, which are harmful to pollinators.

8. Public Awareness and Industry Health:

   • Beekeepers stress the importance of accurate information for the public to understand the challenges faced by the beekeeping industry. They argue that an overly positive assessment could hinder efforts to implement necessary changes, such as pesticide regulation reforms.

Conclusion: The disagreement between the Vermont Agency of Agriculture and beekeepers highlights the complexity of assessing the health of the beekeeping industry. While the agency points to increased colony numbers, beekeepers emphasize the significance of considering colony losses and the challenges faced by the industry. The debate underscores the importance of accurate data and public awareness in addressing the broader issues impacting bee populations and apiary health.

---

Vermont's honeybee industry is caught in a debate as beekeepers challenge a report from the Agency of Agriculture, claiming thriving bee colonies. Beekeepers argue that the reported increase in colony numbers is misleading and doesn't reflect the industry's struggles with losses. The Vermont Beekeepers Association emphasizes the importance of considering colony losses as a true indicator of the industry's health. The disagreement underscores the need for accurate information to address challenges such as pesticide regulation reforms and emphasizes the broader issues affecting bee populations.

#Beekeeping, #VermontBees, #ColonyLoss, #PesticideRegulation, #ApiaryHealth, #BeePopulation, #AgricultureReport