From: "huestis" <buzzybee@capital.net>
Date: Tue, 19 Jun 2001 07:55:03 -0700
To: <BiologicalBeekeeping@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: line-by-line: 61-63

Hi all,

> and is through no fault of their own. However if the aim is to have a certification that can guarentee the purest, most contaminant-free produce, then absolute zones are required

If this is true. Then not one of us ever should be certified. Just firing
up the auto pollutes the area. Rain brings chemicals to the nectar
source(the whole earth no place is free). There is no such thing as
"perfect" chemical free honey. All we can do is maintain a standard of very
low contamination. But what should that standard be? I agree the beekeeper
shouldn't place any dopes in the hive whatsoever. Who can control there
neighbor? Who can control large industry? The effects from them touch
every last one of us as far a pollution and chemicls go. I guess what I'm
trying to say is we need to match high ideals we a bit of wisdom and common
sense so they fit into the real world.

> in one way, while potentially allowing chemical contamination into hives through being lax in another (Deja vu, Barry)?

It is no fault of your own for environmental contamination(well maybe a
little) as you cannot control it. It is everywhere to some degree. By
setting zero tolerance we exclude everyone. How can we set standards on this
as it changes day to day and year to year. All it takes is one bee to gather
nectar from a contaminated source and the whole lot is no good. The above
is impossible to prevent.

> Even though the questionable zone within an apiary's forage range may be small in area, and perhaps at the outer foraging limits, this doesn't necessarily mean it will cause insignificant contamination, as in times of dearth elsewhere, bees will go a long way to a yielding source.

There are no safe zones left. Alas, pollution has hit everywhere!

Ok, guys/ ladies I have posted this with the highest possible ideals in
mind. They cannot be achevied! Let's talk about ones that can.

Clay