Food & Farm News
» January 16, 2008 «
Honeybees healthier this year 
Beehives are now being brought into California from other states for the almond pollination season next month. Entomologists say there seem to be fewer hives that have the colony collapse disorder this year than there were last. However, they caution that this is about the time last year when bees began to suddenly disappear. Researchers continue to be baffled as they try to determine the cause of the disorder, and say it is possible there are multiple causes. Beekeepers and almond growers hope there are enough of the insects to provide good pollination this year.
Farm bill provides funds for honeybee research
Representatives of the American Beekeeping Federation and the American Honey Producers have been able to influence how the honeybee sector is represented in the 2008 Farm Bill. The bill authorizes several million dollars for research on such issues as colony collapse disorder. It also requires that country-of-origin for honey be listed next to any USDA Grade statement so consumers can distinguish U.S. honey from imports.
Farm Bureau calls for fair trade
The president of the American Farm Bureau Federation called for a solid agreement for agriculture in the global trade talks. Bob Stallman said the recently approved U.S.-Peru free trade agreement is good for farmers and ranchers. He said the organization would push for similar agreements with Colombia and South Korea. He called for fair trade, adding the organization will not settle for just any agreement.
Klamath water agreement reached
Agreement has been reached by representatives of diverse communities in the Klamath Basin on water use. Provisions in the agreement include a comprehensive program to rebuild fish populations and develop a reliable allocation of water sufficient for sustainable agriculture. It also calls for removal of dams on the Klamath River while providing stable power costs for family farms and ranches. The settlement group will negotiate removal of the dams with PacifiCorp, the dams owner.
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