Monday, 6th October 2008
Our bees are stressed
Commenting on the announcement this week of a Honey Bee Strategy for Scotland, Scottish MEP Struan Stevenson said more was needed to ensure Scottish bees do not die out.
Mr Stevenson said:
“Many people think that bees are simply good for making honey. That bees provide us with honey is certainly true and honey is a highly nutritious and wholly natural wonder-food. But bees are far more important than that. They are a vital part of our ecosystem and are essential to our survival.
“What is causing the mass disappearance of bees in Europe?
“Scientists have yet to find a definitive answer. But they all seem to come back to the same conclusion. Bee colonies are stressed. Changing climate, poor air quality, monoculture and the over-use of some toxic chemicals, have all taken their toll on bee health. A stressed or unhealthy bee is more susceptible to disease and to the increasingly prevalent varroa mite.
“What is needed is positive action from the EU and the government. We need to see nectar rich crops being sown in small strips of land in order to provide the valuable nectar that bees require.
“Although a return to set-aside farmland is not the answer for the EU, we could reward farmers under existing environmental programmes and rural stewardship schemes, for doing the same thing. By sowing these small strips of land with crops such as the exotic flower Phacelia, together with Borage, Charlock, Wild White Clover and other nectar-rich plants, we could create a haven not only for bees but for birds and other animals and insects.
“This would benefit not only bees but our whole ecosystem.
“The loss of bees is not just a problem for beekeepers but for the whole world and the EU and the government must do more.”
