Gildernew focuses on Honey Bee survival at conference

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has addressed attendees of the Ulster Beekeepers’ Association 65^th Annual Conference at Greenmount College.

Speaking at the ceremony the Minister said: “Beekeeping is an ancient practice which is instrumental to the survival of the honey bee.  The honey bee's role in preserving the local environment should not be underestimated and maintaining a sustainable beekeeping sector across Ireland is very important to me.

“I support the UBKA’s efforts in their mission to bring about a step change in the amount of local queen rearing.  I would like to commend them on their efforts to establish industry competences in this regard in order to meet the increasing demand for replacement queen bees.”

The Minister also focussed on the draft Bee Contingency Plan for Exotic Pests and Diseases of Honey Bees saying: “I am committed to reducing the risks of bee diseases here, and have recently put a draft Bee Health Contingency Plan to the main industry representatives, so that we can work together to mitigate threats to the island’s bees.  The Contingency Plan sets out action to be taken in the general case of an emergency response to the introduction of a bee pest or disease.”

Notes to Editors

1. The Ulster Beekeepers Annual Conference is their 65^th annual Conference, it took place at Greenmount Agricultural Campus on 13 – 14 March 2009.
2. The welcome speech was given by Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, on 13 March 2009 at Greenmount Agricultural Campus.
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