BBKA Welcomes £150,000 Donation for Bee Health Research Funding
Published Jan 28, 2009
PRESS RELEASE
28th January 2009
The £150,000 donation for research into the decline of the honey bee announced today, 28 January, 2009 by The Co-operative as part of its new ‘Plan Bee’ has been welcomed by the British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA).
Tim Lovett, President of the BBKA, said: ”This generous contribution from The Co-operative for bee health research shows how a combination of public and industry funding might begin to solve the problems facing bees and beekeepers.
“Coming as it does on top of the recently announced increase in bee health funding from the Government it will allow a greater range of work to be undertaken into reversing the reduction in honey bee numbers.
“Bees perform a vital role in the pollination of crops and biodiversity in the UK and every effort needs to be made to ensure that these vital insects are not lost from our overall eco system.
“The BBKA is pleased to see that its sustained campaign to increase funding for bee health research has been recognised by the Government and a major UK retailer and that nearly £4.5 million has been allocated for much needed research in the last week.
“The overwhelming support of the public for bees was clearly demonstrated during 2008 when over 140,000 people signed a BBKA petition to increase this research funding from Government.”
Ends
For further information contact:
Christine Gray, BBKA Press Officer 07891 000207/01462450707 christine.m.gray @ btinternet.com.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The BBKA, a charity set up in 1874, supports and promotes bees and beekeeping and educates the public of the importance of bees in the environment. Membership through its 60 affiliated associations has increased by 20 per cent over the last 18 months to over 12,500 members. The BBKA survey of members showed that bee numbers declined by 30% during winter 2007/8.
---