In Issue 73

Dear friends

Residues of medicines used to treat honeybee diseases must not be present in honey: this is the current problem facing beekeepers and the world honey trade. The issues are discussed FOR on pages 6 and 7, and in this edition of BfDJ you will find plenty more information about honey: judging it in the Caribbean (page 10), criteria for honey standards in Asia (page 11) and efforts by projects to market it in Ethiopia (pages 8 and 9). Argentina is one of the world's largest honey producers, and constantly has to meet requirements of importing countries and regions. For this reason, beekeepers' co-operatives must be very well informed and organised: their recent Symposium is reported on page 7. You will also find news of many other beekeeping initiatives around the world: enjoy this wider view of apiculture!

Nicola Bradbear, Director Bees for Development

Bees for Development

1 Agincourt Street, Monmouth NP25 3DZ, UK Tel: +44 (0)1600 714848 info@beesfordevelopment.org www.beesfordevelopment.org

Readers in developing countries

We hope that Bees for Development Journal (BfDJ) encourages you in your beekeeping endeavours. Apiculture is a great way to strengthen livelihoods while at the same time ensuring the maintenance of biodiversity. Bees for Development is here to help you with information and advice. Contact us to receive BfDJ and to join the network.

“We are a farmer-based organisation interested in starting beekeeping now group members have learnt that 60% of crop pollination is done by honeybees. The Association has gained national recognition, covers all the six cocoa growing regions in Ghana, and had its official launch in July 2004. We are appealing for assistance to carry on our mission of capacity building, increasing the farmers' knowledge of beekeeping, links with organisations that can be of help either in kind or financially and links with any trading group.”

Kwasi Owusu-Boadi, Ghana

“Lam an Extension Officer working with 290 farmer groups for agriculture development and improved livelihoods. | am responsible for disseminating agricultural technology, training and advice. Beekeeping is popular in our farming community and we are providing information. We conduct participatory research and demonstration with the farmers' collaboration. I am also Editor of the monthly newsletter Farmers' Friend in Nepali. So we can learn from your experience and expertise, I would like to receive BfDJ regularly. If there is such provision please include my name in your mailing list and provide other information related to our work. Thank you very much"

Rajendra Uprety, Nepal