Bee industry moves towards one body

"I recognised a clear indication from the both the floor at the conference and the AGM for the NBA to explore the value in uniting with other industry stakeholders in the formation of a single representative industry body," says NBA president Ricki Leahy.

"For us to get results it is important that all the different categories within the industry such as commercial beekeepers, hobbyists, exporters, packers, and researchers and others, speak with one, united, clear voice, and that we are all on the same page when talking to government."
Meanwhile Federated Farmers Bees agrees.

"There was a clear mandate given at the NZ Apicultural Industry conference that it is time for the whole bee industry to come together and form one formal entity, with a fresh vision, that will represent the whole industry in the future," says Federated Farmers Bees Chairman John Hartnell.

"The bee industry in 2014 is not what it was in 2000. It is a completely different business today and the industry needs to change as quickly as possible to reflect this by establishing one entity, with one voice that encompasses everyone. This is critically important if our industry is to gain the real respect it needs to operate in the commercial world."

There are currently around 800 members belonging to the two bodies which represent the bee industry; the National Beekeepers Association and Federated Farmers Bees. If one body is formed it has a potential membership exceeding 4,800 members.

Hartnell says Federated Farmers Bees has already confirmed at their AGM to progress this as soon as possible, with the membership voting to become founding members of the new organisation, and he hopes the NBA can work through its democratic process as quickly as possible to make it happen.

Leahy says because the NBA is a membership organisation it will now survey its 600 members so the executive can get a clear direction from them.