Latest News from Project Apis m.
Latest News from Project Apis m.
Visit us on the Web at www.projectapism.org
July 10, 2008 Welcome to the latest edition of the Project Apis m. Newsletter.
What is Project Apis m? A non-profit organization founded in December 2006, Project Apis m is focused on finding practical solutions to beekeepers' challenges by supporting practical, results-oriented in-field research. PAm brings together representatives of the American Honey Producers Association (APHA), the American Beekeeping Federation (ABF), the National Honey Board (NHB), California State Beekeepers Association (CSBA), and California almond farmers. PAm includes representatives from both the pollination and crop production enterprises.
Records falling everywhere in Almond Industry! - - The National Agricultural Statistics Service recently announced their objective estimate of 1.50 billion pounds for the 2008 almond crop. This would be an 8.6% increase over last years’ crop and a third consecutive record crop! California produces 82% of all almonds grown in the world! Click here (Adobe Acrobat Reader required) to view the full forecast. Fortunately, the almond industry has just achieved its 13th consecutive month of record shipments and should finish the year with a very manageable carryout supply. Even then, prices have fallen to nearly half of 2005 levels. Click here to view the latest Almond Board Position report. Water shortages and dramatic increases in nearly all production costs have continued to erode grower margins and many are very close to their cost of production. Most almond growers are very efficient operators and have no single area to target for significant reductions in farming costs. Consequently, little reductions in costs across the board will likely be their course of action and pollination fees will certainly reviewed as part of this strategy.
HFCS Storage Guidelines from the Tucson Bee Lab- -
Dr. Diana Sammataro has provided PAm with HFCS storage guidelines as part of
her PAm-funded research effort on HFCS. Beekeepers’ samples of HFCS were
higher in hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) compared to those from the
manufacturer. Factors promoting formation of HMF include the presence of
fructose and also metal ions, heat, time, and low pH. For a summary of her
research and recommendations for storing HFCS please
click here.
Virus detection now underway in Montana - - PAm
has assisted in putting the IVDS (Integrated Virus Detection System) equipment
in place in Montana under the direction of Dave Wick of BVS, Inc, and in
association with Dr. Jerry Bromenshenk (Bee Alert, Inc. and U of Montana). To
date the team has processed over 125 bee samples, with 375 awaiting analysis.
They are detecting some fairly common virus peaks and also high concentrations
of a few unusual viruses. Please contact Dave Wick (mrwick@bvs-inc.us) regarding
the protocol for sending in honey bee samples for virus screening. Bee Alert
and BVS, Inc. are emphasizing rapid turnaround analysis for viruses and
Nosema ceranae. Recognizing beekeepers need information as problems arise
and not months later, their goal is 24–48 hr turnaround for viruses and
Nosema.
Almond Board funds nearly $250,000 in bee research
- - The Almond Board of California’s ’08 – ’09 fiscal year begins August 1,
and again shows a significant commitment to pollination research. Nearly
$250,000 will be devoted to bee research in the coming 12 months. This brings
the 30-plus years grand total in pollination research funded by almond growers to
$1.5M.
Take part in PAm’s research vision! -- Make your
donation now to Project Apis m, 1750 Dayton Rd., Chico, CA 95928. Have your
growers and/or beekeepers match your contribution of $1/ hive to PAm. Why
PAm? Because PAm funds bee research that is selected and guided by
beekeepers. PAm’s research efforts seek to find practical solutions for
managed colonies. PAm’s funding produces research results that can be
transferred efficiently into the day-to-day practices of beekeepers. PAm is
non-profit and has a low overhead.
Click here for more information on PAm’s
research program
PAm posts research needs to website - - PAm’s Board of Directors has developed a list of areas where they are seeking research studies. Learn more on PAm's research needs by clicking here.
Project Apis m.
1750 Dayton Rd.
Chico, CA 95928