Bees for Keeps officially launched during conference

  • May 31st, 2022

Is a relationship between all Agricultural Service Providers, Growers and the Beekeeping industry in order to find solutions for sustainability that was launched on 11 May 2022.

It was created due to concerns voiced by many role players regarding sustainability issues of both grower and beekeeper industries. Joining forces and tackling these following problems together is expected to lead to synergistic positive outcomes for all.

  • As Growers, farming with green deserts is by no means sustainable and life should be encouraged back into the orchards. How?
  • Beekeeping and pollination service provision: struggle for yearlong sustainability. What can be done?

EXISTING INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES: POLLINATOR SUSTAINABILITY

  • Pollination is the highest agricultural contributor to yields worldwide, contributing far beyond any other agricultural management practice.” (FAO –Why Bees Matter)
  • However, monocultures, intensive agricultural practices and use of pesticides have led to large-scale losses of pollinator and their habitats all over the world.
  • Farmers can help maintain pollinator abundance, diversity and health by diversifying farms to make food resources and shelter continuously available to pollinators.
  • Sustainable agriculture is farming with nature
  • Many International biodiversity programmes exist to increase pollination sustainability

BEES FOR KEEPS:

  • Is in line with international agricultural programmes : leading much needed change in South African agricultural practices.
  • Although being initiated for the Mpumalanga Lowveld, this initiative could in time be expanded as the problems experienced locally is felt all over South Africa and indeed the world.
  • Its is a voluntary association, established by interested parties for the benefit of the sustainability of bees and other pollinators who inludes:
    • Beekeepers (i.e. honey producers & pollination service providers)
    • Farmers (crop growers whether they need pollination or not)
    • Academic Institutions and Researchers
    • Pesticide companies
    • Agricultural Consultants
    • Individuals and companies wanting to create Havens for bees

Objectives of the Association:

  • Promote, protect and actively work towards the sustainability of bees and pollinators
  • Develop a common culture amongst members through participation, information sharing, training and networking to ensure cohesive and committed membership
  • To make representations to any authorities and likeminded organisations by initiating and influencing where possible existing and proposed laws, policies and budgets affecting or likely to affect the sustainability of bees
  • To forge alliances with similar organisations to the mutual benefit of the Associations
  • To raise funds for projects relating to the objectives, through membership and other suitable fundraising activities which is not competing with the day-to-day business of any of its members

Find the membership form here attached and join us. Members of of Bees for Keeps will have joint membership with Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT) and will enjoy all benefits of KLCBT as well.

Bees-for-Keeps-Membership-Form-2022Download

During the conference, we had the opportunity to listen to experts covering a variety of interesting topics, here are the presentations:

Bees-for-Keeps-ConferenceDownload
Management-of-tortricidae-moths-in-macadamia2022-south-CoastDownload
Regenerative-Farming-in-Subtropical-Tree-CropsDownload
Additional-forage-to-sustain-pollinators-and-bee-populations-to-maximize-pollinationDownload