Bees, Bee pollination Service

Much research has been carried out into how crop yields are increased by the
visits of honeybees and to ascertain the numbers of hives required on
particular crops. IACR-Rothamsted has shown in past and more recent research
that each hive on or near a grower's land for a year is worth upwards of
£1100 to the grower in increased yields. Even seed crops, such as oil seed
rape and field bean, that are largely wind pollinated, may benefit from the
visits of honeybees by the lower flower trusses setting earlier. The early
set may give up to a week's earlier start to harvesting, which may mean the
difference between a good and poor crop with no need to dry the seed
further.

The Pollination Scheme aims to target specific crops by bringing in hives of
honeybees when they may be best pollinated. Crops concerned vary from top
fruit to seed crops. There is a charge per hive to the farmer of £34 for top
fruit and £28 for seed crops, each for up to four weeks. Frequently they are
needed for less time than this since, for example, a few days for apples at
the critical time is all that is necessary. This enables minimal changes to
the grower's spraying operation. In the case of pear pollination there are
examples of heavy cropping with bees and no crop at all without them.

Honeybees may also be used for crops in greenhouses and this is much cheaper
than importing bumblebees. Examples of this is are for early raspberries,
strawberries and for borage seed.
The charge for this is £30.00 per colony plus a weekly maintenance fee by agreement."

Other field crops pollinated in recent years by honeybees are sunflower,
Canary flower, echium (viper's bugloss or meadowfoam), strawberry,
gooseberry, blackcurrant and borage.

The Scheme guarantees the suitability of colonies. If for any reason you
feel dissatisfied with the colonies an independent inspector is asked to
examine them at no extra expense to yourself.

For more details please contact:

Geoff Mills on 01245 223494
or pollination@ebka.org