Koppert reacts to UK study on import of infected bumblebee hives

A British study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology and reprinted in various media states that a significant percentage of the commercial bumblebee colonies imported into the United Kingdom are infected with parasites. This makes them a threat to native species, according to the study. In total, 48 hives from three different producers were examined. Between 40,000 and 50,000 bumblebee colonies are imported into the UK each year.

The findings of the British researchers emphasize the importance of effective monitoring. Koppert has long been an industry leader when it comes to strict monitoring. Koppert bumblebee colonies are produced in a protected environment under extremely highly controlled conditions.

Internal and independent checks are aimed not only at providing growers with a product that is as clean as possible but also at protecting the producers' own production process. Without clean production, it would not be possible to provide growers worldwide with high-quality and affordable products. The entire production process is certified.

Koppert communicates closely and constructively with the British authorities, Defra and Natural England. British authorities have visited various production locations and know what protocols and checks are used to safeguard the breeding and health of bumblebees. Imports of bumblebees to the United Kingdom are certified by Natural England. Elsewhere in Europe imports of bumblebees are also subject to strict monitoring.

Koppert takes its responsibilities very seriously when it comes to producing bumblebees and for this reason we do everything we can to protect the health of produced colonies. In the more than twenty-five years that bumblebees have been produced commercially, Koppert has worked with scientific organizations to collect enormous amounts of expertise on diseases and their prevention.

The knowledge and methods in this field are in a constant state of development, and Koppert is closely involved in research in this area and applies this knowledge and these methods to its own production methods.

Koppert was not involved in this particular study. The company will attempt to answer the questions raised by the study by contacting the researchers as well as universities and regulatory bodies.

The use of bumblebees in agriculture and horticulture is extremely important in economic terms. Crops such as tomatoes and strawberries are in fact entirely dependent on this method of pollination.

For more information: www.koppert.com - info@koppert.nl

Publication date: Fri 26 Jul 2013