The National Beekeepers Association (NBA) will become Apiculture New Zealand as at April 1 this year after members voted last week to adopt a new constitution and rules.

The formation of Apiculture NZ is a major step forward in unifying the beekeeping industry and embracing the many stakeholders in the wider apiculture industry who didn’t see a place for themselves in the NBA.

“Apiculture NZ will support and help facilitate the growth of beekeeping in New Zealand,” says NBA President, Ricki Leahy.

“Beekeeping in New Zealand has the potential to become a billion dollar a year-plus industry, but we need good systems and structures in place to achieve this growth.

“The formation of Apiculture NZ is the first step in that process.”

The move will give the apiculture industry a stronger voice with government, and will support enhanced industry research.

Apiculture NZ will also lead the industry’s negotiations with government on the Government-Industry biosecurity agreements.

The formation of Apiculture NZ comes after many years of debate within the industry about its own future.

Members of Federated Farmers Bees will become foundation members of Apiculture NZ, as will existing NBA members.

This media release was sourced directly from Scoop Independent News.