Beekeepers to consider levy

19 December, 2001
Release 03/01
MEDIA RELEASE

Beekeepers to consider levy

2002 sees major developments for the National Beekeepers Association.

Early in the New Year the NBA will start an extensive round of consultation with beekeepers to discuss funding of the Association.

“Currently the NBA is funded by a compulsory levy, the Commodity Levies (Bee Products) Order 1996 and this order expires in December 2002”, the National Beekeepers' Association President, Don Bell said today.

“The Levy funds the NBA’s National Pest Management Strategy for the control of American Foulbrood Disease in bees, administration and industry good projects. The PMS is one of only two National Pest Management Strategies and unlike the other, the Bovine TB PMS, it has no government funding at all. The AFB PMS is totally industry funded.

“With the arrival of Varroa 20 months ago, the New Zealand beekeeping industry has changed forever. There is a whole lot more variables in the industry now. We need to ensure that as many practicable options are canvassed for the future funding and direction of the industry in 2002 and beyond.”

“The NBA Executive expects to have a busy few months as we develop a way forward for the industry in the first part of 2002”, Don Bell concluded.

Ends…/ For further information: Don Bell 03 318-3869 Tim Leslie 04 473-7269 or 021 544-070

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