TIME magazine recently ran an article on beekeeping in Slovenia suggesting that the solutions for global honeybee maladies had been found. It's interesting, but old news within the industry--and only a partial description of a much more complex reality. It's always interesting to me (if I should have some expertise and experience on a topic) to to see what some twice-removed journalist does with the details and facts of a story they report.
Like for instance, suggesting that American beekeepers should follow the example of Slovenian beekeepers and work with "native honeybees," because native honeybees will be better adapted to the North American climatic conditions in which they evolved. Problem is, there are no native American honeybees! All Apis Mellifera (honeybee) races evolved in Europe and western Asia and were introduced into the Americas by arriving European colonists.
Or, suggesting that neonicotinoid pesticides are the cause of diminishing bee colonies in the world, which science supports--in part--but is apt point out that the problem is more complex than this single factor. Loss of habitat, climate change, air pollution, global trade, spread of once localized bee diseases and parasites all play a role. Once again, the inference is that if its "organic" its better or safer. The irony here is that neonicotinoids are organic--developed in response to public outcry for organic solutions to food production issues!
Slovenia: small, land-locked, and fortressed high in the Alps is a pretty pristine place--I've been there--it's beautiful. Ljubljana is a fairytale-city complete with its castle on a high bluff in the middle of the old medieval town--It's where, as legend has it, St. George slayed the dragon. Honey is a big deal there, and there are a lot of Slovenian beekeepers. Lucky for them that they have such perfect conditions for production AND their own native Carniolan honey bee.
Like for instance, suggesting that American beekeepers should follow the example of Slovenian beekeepers and work with "native honeybees," because native honeybees will be better adapted to the North American climatic conditions in which they evolved. Problem is, there are no native American honeybees! All Apis Mellifera (honeybee) races evolved in Europe and western Asia and were introduced into the Americas by arriving European colonists.
Or, suggesting that neonicotinoid pesticides are the cause of diminishing bee colonies in the world, which science supports--in part--but is apt point out that the problem is more complex than this single factor. Loss of habitat, climate change, air pollution, global trade, spread of once localized bee diseases and parasites all play a role. Once again, the inference is that if its "organic" its better or safer. The irony here is that neonicotinoids are organic--developed in response to public outcry for organic solutions to food production issues!
Slovenia: small, land-locked, and fortressed high in the Alps is a pretty pristine place--I've been there--it's beautiful. Ljubljana is a fairytale-city complete with its castle on a high bluff in the middle of the old medieval town--It's where, as legend has it, St. George slayed the dragon. Honey is a big deal there, and there are a lot of Slovenian beekeepers. Lucky for them that they have such perfect conditions for production AND their own native Carniolan honey bee.
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