Honey production under threat as mite attacks bees

IRISH honey production is under threat from Varroa mite disease, which has vastly depleted bee populations over the past 10 years, beekeepers were warned yesterday.

The Federation of Irish Beekeepers’ Associations, which represents 46 member groups with almost 1,600 members, held a seminar in Dunmanway, Co Cork, yesterday to discuss bee health and how to increase stocks.

Minister of State Trevor Sargent said that in the last year alone up to half the hives in west Cork were lost to the disease

“Chemical pesticides are still achieving over 90% control of Varroa in Ireland, but we must be conscious of the need to reduce our dependence on chemical remedies.

“Any pesticide will in time lead to resistance,” he said.

Mr Sargent said his department has secured both European Union and national funding to support a three-year programme researching integrated controls for Varroa.

The project aims to develop protocols to maximise the control of Varroa mites using non-chemical remedies and natural resistance in European honeybees.

Issues that prevented the commencement of this vital work are being resolved and the project should commence shortly, he said.

Mr Sargent said his department is compiling a register of beekeepers in Ireland. Regrettably, he said, the response to date from beekeepers has been disappointing.

“An accurate beekeepers’ register will provide an important tool in preventing the spread of serious diseases that are a threat to all beekeepers.

“The effectiveness of the register will depend on the proportion registered,” he said.