Bee Friendly Organic Principles that dive NewGenBees

My attitude to keeping bees is driven by Bee Friendly Organic Principles

The more I learned about modern beekeeping practices (2008) the more convinced I became that current practices in beekeeping are not particularly bee friendly and I know that some beekeepers will disagree with an attitude they feel is likely to allow pests and diseases become rampant and that my colonies will become a source of infection for their colonies. How do I know this? It has been made clear to me by implication, on more than one occassion, that that will be the only outcome of my 'ignorant' attitude to keeping bees in a modern world. I know many beekeepers do not believe this is the case and time will prove we are correct in our beliefs. I have been inspired to continue with my beliefs by reading about the barefoot beekeeper and his experiences. I know from my farming background in the 50', 60's and 70's when I had a broad experience of the intensive farming of cattle and poultry for milk, meat and eggs as well as growing crops such as grass, cereals and potatoes that once you start down the road of chemical intervention it will end in tears. Perhaps not in one generation but one thing recent history is already teaching us is that we must pay due consideration to sustainability. Diseases become resistant because of incorrect or overuse of chemicals and then stronger and stronger 'cures' are needed. The organism under attack by the disease be it plant, animal or insect is not allowed to develop a resistance by natural selection because of the immediate cost in commercial terms. No consideration seems to be given to the fact that more often than not we are talking about FOOD. Nor, it seems, is any consideration given to the price to be paid in the future. I am convinced that my Warré Hives are bee friendly and the non intrusive management principles established by Abbé Warré will allow the colonies to evolve and develop natural resistances. Ross Conrad discusses the concept of Organic Principles at some length in his book Natural Beekeeping. I tried hard to find the best option for the bees that allowed me to feel comfortable with the required procedures.

Many products pronounced ‘safe’ in my youth and used as part of the then modern farming practices are now ‘unsafe’ at best and illegal at worst. This knowledge is what has convinced me that applying chemicals to bees and their hives will in time be seen as a very bad thing. I want to know what is in my food and if I’m not happy with it why should others be?