Beekeepers protest over imports plan

Beekeepers have been stung into action by a proposal to open New Zealand's borders to imported bee products, which they fear could introduce a disease that would devastate the local industry.

Hundreds are expected to gather at the country's biggest beehive - in Wellington tomorrow - to protest against the proposal, which beekeepers believe has already been rubber-stamped by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF).

It is the latest rural backlash to hit the Government after farmers attacked it last week for pushing through requirements to have all dogs microchipped.

Beekeepers say their opposition to imports is not a fear of competition, but a fear of a disease that attacks bee larvae, called European foulbrood. They are worried it could slip past biosecurity authorities in imported honey or other bee products.

New Zealand's borders have been closed to imported bee products for about 50 years except for a small amount from Pacific Islands free of the disease.

MAF policy analyst Paul Bolger said it was MAF's view, after carrying out extensive research, that heat treatment could lower the risk of European foulbrood being imported.

"We couldn't guarantee there was no risk, but the risk is considered acceptably low."

A final decision on allowing the imports had not yet been made, Mr Bolger said.

New Zealand's beekeeping industry is still suffering from the effect of an outbreak of the varroa bee mite and does not want to risk losing multi-million-dollar exports.

"The last thing we need is another incursion and to have to deal with another pest," said National Beekeepers Association president Jane Lorimer.

While MAF had said it could virtually eliminate the risk of the European foulbrood getting into New Zealand, beekeepers did not want to take the chance.

"In other countries it has been very damaging. If it gets into the country our only option is to feed antibiotics into the hives immediately.

"Of course that compromises the image of the New Zealand product. Some of the exports to Japan will virtually be lost overnight."

Beekeeper Trevor Cullen said New Zealand generated more than enough honey to supply the country.

If the European foulbrood got into the country, there was "nowhere for the price to go than down through the floor".

Other industries such as horticulture relied heavily on the beekeeping industry, Mr Cullen said.

"As always MAF is the judge, jury and police force themselves.

"No-one is looking over their shoulder and seeing that the risk is too great."