The Honey Bee Health Strategy

MINISTERIAL FOREWORD: CABINET SECRETARY FOR RURAL AFFAIRS AND THE ENVIRONMENT:

I am delighted to announce the publication of Scotland's Honey Bee Health Strategy, the aim of which is to achieve a sustainable and healthy population of honey bees for pollination and honey production in Scotland over the next ten years.

As I am sure you are aware, the outbreak of disease which affected honey bees across Scotland during 2009 has proved to be a challenging time for beekeepers and has heightened our awareness of the emerging threats in relation to protection of the honey bee.

I am encouraged that in order to enhance the range of activities and services that the Scottish Government already provides to beekeepers in Scotland, representatives from the Scottish Beekeeping Association ( SBA) and the Bee Farmers Association ( BFA) have made a commitment to support the strategy's intentions.

The SBA and BFA have been closely involved in the preparation of this document and I am particularly encouraged by this positive development and look forward to seeing its progress through strengthened partnership working between all stakeholders who have an interest in honey bees.

RICHARD LOCHHEAD
CABINET SECRETARY FOR RURAL AFFAIRS AND THE ENVIRONMENT