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Books > Professional & Technical > Agriculture & farming > Animal husbandry > Apiculture (beekeeping)
Bees, both commercially managed honey bees and wild bees, play an
important role in global food production. In the United States
alone, the value of insect pollination to U.S. agricultural
production is estimated at $16 billion annually, of which about
three-fourths is attributable to honey bees. Worldwide, the
contribution of bees and other insects to global crop production
for human food is valued at about $190 billion. Given the
importance of bees and other types of pollinators to food
production, many have expressed concern about whether a pollinator
crisis has been occurring in recent decades. Worldwide reports
indicate that populations of both managed honey bees and native
bees have been declining, with colony losses in some cases
described as severe or unusual. In Europe, managed honey bee colony
numbers have been declining since the mid-1960s, and individual
beekeepers have reported unusual weakening and mortality in
colonies, particularly during the period spanning winter through
spring. According to the United Nations, many insect pollinator
species may be becoming rarer, causing some to question whether
this is a sign of an overall global biodiversity decline. This book
examines selected U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agencies
bee-related monitoring, research and outreach, as well as
conservation efforts, and The Environmental Protection Agency's
(EPA) efforts to protect bees through its regulation of pesticides.
Written by two of the UK's most well-known and respected experts in
the beekeeping community, this is a new and updated edition of a
popular reference title which contains everything the beginner, or
even intermediate, beekeeper could need. Suitable both for those
just considering the prospect and those who are already fascinated
beekeepers, this guide to setting up, maintaining and maximising
bees in the back garden is an indispensable and readable bible of
information and practical advice. It covers everything from bee
behaviour to what to do with honey, and balances all the background
context on bee biology with the day-to-day and seasonal
practicalities of running hives in any location, in the country or
the city, and for colonies of all sizes. Resources include a 'bee
calendar', troubleshooting section, illustrations, a glossary and
details of courses and organizations, in an essential guide for
anyone who is fascinated by the ancient ways of the apiarist.
The conservation of bees and other pollinators is currently very
high on the public agenda. Indeed, landscape, conservation and
biodiversity are inextricably linked and this book takes a
comprehensive look at the European scene. Originally published in
1994 it is appropriate for IBRA to republish this important book
which will help to link existing schemes for the management of
agricultural land with broader policies with the aim to encourage
all land holders to consider pollinators in their management
strategies.
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