Beekeepers notice mass deaths, Bee Institute sounds the alarm
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Loading... - Sarah Maes
- 25 Apr 2023
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In many parts of Flanders, 75 per cent of the bee population did not survive the winter. In some areas, beekeepers have even lost all their bees. "We call on the government to take urgent measures," says René De Backer of the Flemish Beekeeping Institute (VBI).
he VBI carries out an annual survey of its beekeepers looking into winter mortality. The results it published showed a 23 per cent winter mortality rate, a slight improvement on last year.
"The results are a gross underestimation," claims VBI president René De Backer. "Lots of bees were lost afterwards and many beekeepers are reluctant to report losses, because it makes them feel like a poor beekeeper."
According to the VBI, many Flemish beekeepers experienced losses of up to 75 per cent. Beekeepers in the regions of Lier, Sint-Katelijne-Waver and Nijlen are worst affected. In Limburg, there is generally less bee mortality, although there are certain regions like Sint-Truiden and Bokrijk, where some beekeepers have lost all their bees. The Netherlands is also struggling with the problem. "Inexplicable and bizarre," says De Backer about such regional differences. Read More..
