Bee-ing in the moment

The apiculture industry reaches a crossroads this month with a vote on bringing existing factions together.

Efforts to unify the apiculture industry have reached a critical point as members of the National Beekeepers Association (NBA) vote on changes to their constitution and rules.

Federated Farmers Bee Industry Group has been fully supportive and involved with efforts to unify the industry.

The mandate for unification was provided at industry conferences in 2014 and 2015, and subsequent AGMs of the NBA and Federated Farmers Bee Industry Group.

Though it would make sense to develop a new organisation, free from any association with existing industry bodies, members of the NBA executive and membership stipulated that the NBA be used as the platform.

Recognising the 100 plus years of history and knowledge associated with the organisation, it was agreed to do so, but the rules and constitution needed to be modernised and reviewed to reflect the industry as it is today, not just representative of beekeepers.

Thus the renamed NBA, Apiculture New Zealand, will represent beekeepers, hobbyists, packers, processor, suppliers and those engaged in the health products and food manufacturing industry.

The all inclusive nature of the new organisation has raised concern for some beekeepers who fear they will lose control of what was formerly "their" organisation.

However, the entire industry is reliant on successful beekeeping at its foundation; marketers, packers and exporters will not put at risk their businesses or beekeepers livelihoods by doing anything to undermine beekeeping and the health of our bees.

The apiculture industry's position as the leading supplier of high quality honey and bee products must be protected and a united and fully inclusive industry is the best way to deliver this outcome.

The industry must move forward, it cannot continue to rely on the good nature of a few volunteers throughout New Zealand.

The establishment of a fulltime secretariat, supported by a strong industry based board of management is critical if industry is to be respected at all levels of government, and by the agri-sector.

The mandate for unification has been provided numerous times and it is now decision time for NBA members.

It is time to be part of history, to show leadership and support this final step to unify and strengthen the fragmented apiculture industry.

Not only for the betterment of the current generation, but future generations who will be the beneficiaries of unification. The time is now.