Department of Agriculture to release its strategy to sustain the honey-bee population in the Western Cape.
No other single animal species plays a more significant role in producing fruit and vegetables than the bee. But there has been global concern about the health of bee populations and the sustainability of the numbers of honey-bee colonies needed to support commercial pollination needs. It is estimated that the demand for pollination will double over the next decade, and the question is will there be enough bee colonies to go around?
Major threats facing honey bee populations include disease, pollution and insufficient forage in urban environments.
In response, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, working with the Western Cape Bee Industry Association, has devised a strategy to address the challenges in the industry, and prevent any further drastic impact on the honey bee population of the Western Cape.
The strategy, based on research conducted by an appointed service provider, will be launched by Minister of Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde on Friday 1 June, 2018.
Members of the media are invited to attend.
Details of the event:
Date: 1 June 2018
Time: 10.30-11.30
Venue: Courtyard, Main Building, Elsenburg
Members of the media wishing to attend are kindly requested to RSVP.
Enquiries:
Bianca Capazorio
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 072 372 7044
E-mail: bianca.capazorio@westerncape.gov.za
