Project Apis m. (PAm)was established by beekeepers and orchardists in December, 2006, as a 'New Vision' to fund honey bee research on managed colonies. The organization's goal is to fund and direct research to improve the health and vitality of honey bee colonies while improving crop production. Emphasis is placed on research studies that have realistic and practical usefulness for beekeeping businesses.
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.
Whereas beekeepers are represented and well-served by the three national organizations and several regional and state organizations, they have lacked a means in which to assess themselves or their customers a minimal commitment to be used toward solutions for sustaining the industry in the long term. PAm fills this void. Beekeepers and representatives of pollination-dependent crops are ready and willing to invest in their future. PAm's Board is demonstrating action in coordinating a project-driven program to find realistic solutions to immediate beekeeping challenges.
Almond growers, under the Almond Board of California assessment, have traditionally funded a significant share of honey bee research. The CSBA has funded bee research for several years at increasing levels. PAm is a mechanism for beekeepers and orchardists nationwide to fund and direct research activities on behalf of beekeepers. While some current research programs are funding longer-range studies on pollination, PAm is funding research that will result in nearer-term solutions and will work toward efficient and immediate transfer of result to field practice.
Research will be aimed at improving and maintaining economic viability for beekeepers
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