Michael Hughes
I am a member of NIBS, and I have black bees. However, I am convinced that IBA clg, cannot hold views or agendas for Black or Buckfast bees. I feel that the need to serve all beekeepers equally (egalitarianism), demands strict neutrality from the company on this subject. Furthermore I believe that local Associations are masters of their own destinies, and that as long as there is freedom of movement for goods (queens and colonies) and services within the European Union there it is fruitless to attempt anything other than on a voluntary basis at local level.
Michael Hughes
10 Comments
I concur with what Michael (Hughes) has written and hope that all members of the committee will act on the commendable sentiments expressed by him. I kept AMM bees for several years, but I now keep only Buckfast bees, all the bees adjacent to me are also Buckfast and the South Kerry Bee Breeders Group only have Buckfast Bees in their breeding apiary. Those who choose to keep AMM bees or any other bee type have in my view, a perfect right to do so. Please let the Irish Beekeepers Association remain impartial for the good of beekeeping and not be a vehicle for intolerance and the promotion of political agendas.
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Gearóid Ó Fathaigh
5/11/2017 19:36:35
I'll second Michael Hughes in this regard, and echo Tom Carr's comment - the IBA should remain impartial and tolerant. I don't see how it's scientifically possible to be an exclusionary organisation when we're talking about subspecies; and an enlightened and smart approach is needed regarding conservation and biosecurity.
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5/11/2017 19:43:11
I completely agree with Michael. Lets not repeat this futile argument about which bee would be better. Or more Irish. That is for the individual beekeeper to decide.
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Jacqui Glisson
5/11/2017 20:33:21
Hi Tom, Good to hear from you.
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Colette O'Connell
6/11/2017 12:19:38
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Pauline Walsh
7/11/2017 17:28:38
I agree though i am A.M.M. supporter and our association and area is a A.M.M. conservation area we can not discriminate on any member for not holding our beliefs. We are not going down the route of division.. Healthy bees healthy colonies healthy happy beekeepers.
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That is a praiseworthy attitude and the promotion of tolerance is laudable.It is worth remembering that on the continent, beekeepers who choose different types of bees can live in harmony with each other. Why cannot such tolerance be shown here in Ireland? The country is big enough and the number of beekeepers few enough for harmonious co-existence. It is the undertaking by the IBA PLC, to not favour one type of bee over another, that has attracted me here and I know has attracted many others as well; long may that magnanimity continue.
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Robert Anthony
26/11/2017 13:08:11
Congratulations on the new Association, whose aims I fully endorse. Although I think it important to respect all other beekeepers and their bees, I would ask you not to be too hasty in stifling free speech on the subject of honeybee sub-species. It would not be my intention to indulge in silly arguments about who has the best bees, but I believe it important to point out that our native bee has been endangered. In the name of biodiversity alone it would be wise for the Association to maintain a conversation on the subject, even if it is only for beginners to the craft to recognise that it is best to keep bees similar to their neighbours' bees.
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Jacqui Glisson
26/11/2017 14:21:05
I absolutely agree.
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Jacqui GlissonHi folks, I am Chairperson of the new Irish Beekeepers' Association CLG. Archives
January 2020
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