Honey Labeling and Native vs. Non-Native with Eugene Makovec (S6, E18)

On today’s show, Jeff and Becky welcome back Eugene Makovec, editor of the American Bee Journal!

Honey labeling laws vary widely across the US, creating a complex patchwork of regulations that can be challenging for both new and experienced beekeepers. While these laws are intended to protect consumers and promote transparency, they can be a source of confusion within the beekeeping community. As we will hear, these differences can be particularly vexing for beekeepers who sell their products across state lines, as they must navigate varying requirements.

Eugene shares his experience working with his state and those of neighboring states to standardize labeling requirements. Later in the episode, Eugene shares insight into the current debate between conservationists and beekeepers: native vs. non-native.

Honey bees were once the ‘canary in the coal mine’ of our natural environment. Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) had beekeepers and media promoting, “Save The Honey Bee”. Now conservation groups have adopted a more critical and perhaps adversarial stance toward honey bees, citing honey bees’ potential harm to native pollinators. True or false, in whole or in part, this controversy is a topic with which all beekeepers should familiarize themselves and know how to respond to neighbor and community questions.

Interesting, educational and thought provoking, today’s episode is one you will want to listen to!

Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website.

Links and websites mentioned in this podcast:

• The American Bee Journal - https://americanbeejournal.com/
• Honey Bee Obscura - https://www.honeybeeobscura.com

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Betterbee is the presensting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com

This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! 

Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about heir line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com

Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry.

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We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: [email protected]

Thank you for listening! 

Podcast music: Be Strong by Young Presidents; Epilogue by Musicalman; Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus; A Fresh New Start by Pete Morse; Wedding Day by Boomer; Original guitar background instrumental by Jeff Ott

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