|
Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) threatens central Ohio’s bee population and has resulted in a decrease in crop population hurting Franklin County’s agricultural community. In an effort to address this problem and relieve the strain felt throughout the community, Commissioners are expected to approve a unique partnership with the Central Ohio Beekeepers Association (COBA) to provide $7,500 in funding for the first ever Franklin County Apiculture “Buzzzz” Scholarship Program aimed to stimulate economic development and foster career’s within apiculture.
The goal of the “Buzzzz” Scholarship Program is to award fifteen $500 scholarships to eligible Franklin County residents who successfully complete COBA’s beginning beekeeping course. County support will cover the cost of apiary education, clothing, veil and gloves, textbook, a basic hive, hive tool, a smoker, and three pound package of bees.
“This program supports economic development in Franklin County by allowing adults and children to be exposed to a career in beekeeping,” said Board President Marilyn Brown. “It is important that we continue to invest in careers that are going to stimulate the economy and helping bees pollinate Franklin County crops is a way to do that.”
Honey Bees are generally thought of merely as honey producers; however they play an extremely vital role in Ohio agriculture through pollination. They pollinate such crops as apples, cucumbers, melons and pumpkins along with seed crops such as sunflowers and canola according to the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
“Bees play an important ecological role, but beehives have been collapsing at an alarming rate. Hives maintained by hobbyists can help maintain healthier bee populations,” said Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy.
“Tiny little bees are the heart of the food chain, and since food and its related sectors serve as the largest employer in Franklin County, this is a creature we cannot afford to lose,” said Commissioner Paula Brooks. “Watching over our bees is a uniquely County job in Ohio, which is why I’m proud to support legislation calling for a Bee Task Force to ensure our bees thrive and are a sustained part of our environment and our lives.”
Commissioners will attend the Central Ohio Beekeepers Association’s hands on training Saturday, April 19th at 10:30am located at Conrad Hive and Honey, 6240 Wright Road, in Canal Winchester to witness the installation of bees in a new hive. Members of the media are strongly encouraged to attend.
|
