Organic Beekeepers Seeing Fewer Cases of Colony Collapse

May 14, 2007
By Holly Case
Natural Food Network Newsletter Editor

The huge numbers of bees lost to the mysterious "colony collapse disorder" (CCD) continue to baffle scientists. However, some organic beekeepers say that they have not been experiencing the problem to the same degree that conventional beekeepers have.

According to anecdotal reports of members of a large email list for organic beekeepers, all beekeepers have been fighting a difficult battle against Varroa mites. Mites have been previously named as a possible cause of CCD; however, this problem is not entirely new. However, many conventional beekeepers are allegedly engaging in practices which may put their colonies at greater risk of collapse.

Many beekeepers have been using large quantities of pesticides to fumigate for the Varroa mites. When mites become established in a colony, they are often very difficult to eliminate before significant damage is done. Organic beekeepers are reportedly not experiencing as many problems with colony collapse, and they believe that the lack of pesticide use is the probable reason for the difference.

In addition, conventional beekeepers are more likely to transport their colonies across great distances to provide pollination services. As CCD becomes an even more widespread problem, beekeepers who offer pollination services for hire find themselves with more such work, which stresses their own colonies even further.

It is not conclusive that organic beekeepers' colonies are completely protected from CCD. Mites appear to be a substantial problem for all beekeepers, and it is unknown how significant the role of pesticide use is in colony collapse. Scientists are hoping to find the answer before it's too late.