PROGRAM TEACHES BEEKEEPING TO 110 IN TEN OHIO COUNTIES
 

Contact: Christina Coulon, 614-255-2471

Columbus, June 22, 2009 - People may wonder why pollinators are so important and why anyone would want to protect bees. Most people don’t realize that without pollination, 80 percent of the world’s crops would not exist. Most pollen is transferred by insects such as bees. A healthy bee population is critical for healthy plants, healthy crops, and healthy food for people.

Honey bees are an important pollinator in the United States. A mysterious phenomenon called colony collapse disorder has caused many honey bees to disappear in the past few years. While researchers are working on understanding this disorder, farmers and bee keepers are encouraged to do what they can to help honey bees survive.

Here in Ohio, the Crossroads Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) partnered with the Ohio State Beekeeper’s Association and the Ohio Mid Eastern Government Association to train and equip 110 new beekeepers in 10 east central Ohio counties. Participants received 12 hours of classroom and field training, all the supplies and equipment needed to safely keep bees, two hives of bees, subscription to Bee Culture magazine and were assigned an experienced beekeeper as a mentor.

Funding for this project was provided through grants from the Governor’s Office of Appalachia, USDA Rural Development, and the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation. Additional partners included Senator Sherrod Brown’s Southeast District Office, Congressman’s Zack Space New Philadelphia’s Office, and Ohio State Extension Service. This successful outreach program received over 271 applications, and positive reviews from the selected participants. Currently, additional grants are pending to expand this project in 2010.

To learn more about pollinators visit the National Pollinator Partnership website.

 

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