Bee decline could lead to disastrous global food shortage…(Grow Or Die!!)
Bostonstandard.co.uk
19/04/2013
A ‘beekeeping disaster’ is heading for the UK this year according to a local honey producer who has lost several hives to the cold weather.
Chris Norton, of Boston Honey, lost five of his 12 hives in the last few weeks – with each costing £300 to replace.
“It’s the worst hive loss I’ve ever had,” said Chris, 42.
“A couple of weeks ago I noticed there was no activity from five of the hives so I opened them up and found the bees were basically all dead in them.”
The cold weather this year has affected the growth of nectar-producing plants, which Chris says has lead to ‘insufficient food’ for the insects.
Nationally, it is expected there will be a 50-75 per cent loss in the number of honey bees.
“Small independent honey producers are taking a real hammering,” said Chris, who has kept bees for six years.
“People can help by growing plants suitable for pollunators, taking up beekeeping – or supporting local beekeepers by buying their honey.”
Bees are vital in the food chain, pollunating crops which would otherwise fail.
It is feared their global decline, still largely a mystery, could lead to a worldwide food shortage.
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