Categorized | Agriculture

Beginning organic beekeeping course begins Sept. 7

MEDIA RELEASE

In the past few years Hawaii Island has experienced a significant decline of honeybee populations.

The demise of our bees is affecting not only beekeepers, but farmers of coffee, macadamia nuts, melons, tomatoes, cucumbers, citrus, avocado and lychee, for whom bees are a natural and necessary pollinator.

The need and desire to keep bees on farms and in backyards is growing everyday. With this in mind, Bee Love Apiaries and Crystal Dew Farm are offering its annual beginning organic beekeeping course this Fall.

The 4-week course begins Saturday, Sept. 7. Beginning Organic Beekeeping is intended for commercial and backyard farmers, or for anyone wanting classroom instruction and hands-on training in organic, natural and biodynamic beekeeping.

Class fee is $300, and includes start-up beekeeping supplies.

Course instructors Richard Spiegel (owner of Crystal Dew Farm and founder of Volcano Island Honey Co.) and Jennifer Bach (owner of Bee Love Apiaries and creator of the Honeybee Education Program and Honeybees for Farmers Project) share a common philosophy about the importance of the connection between bees and the beekeeper, and of bees to our environment as a whole.

The practical and esoteric sides of this connection will be explored, and Richard and Jennifer will discuss the importance of organic beekeeping and agricultural practices in today’s environment.

Beginning Organic Beekeeping is made possible by support from the Laura Jane Musser Fund and East Hawaii Fund. Two financial scholarships are available. Selection will be based on applicants’ likelihood of starting their own hives and/or their ability to participate in public outreach and eduction.

Class size is limited, and registration is required by Aug. 20.

For further information and to register, contact Karla at (808) 224-1404 or email her at karla@andreadean.com.

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