Organic honey production is when beekeepers choose not to use chemicals in their hives. This increases the value of honey and is safer for the environment. However, organic honey has many negative effects to the honey industry. It isn't cost effective. If beekeepers choose to go "green" they are required to spend a lot of time and money that they simply don't have. This increases the honey price which consumers aren't willing to pay or can't afford. Organic honey production also decreases hive survival. Beekeepers use chemicals in the hive to get rid of pests (wax moths, mites, beetles, etc.). By not using these chemicals the hives will die (only 1 of 5 hives survive under organic hive management).
WATCO Question: What are the consequences of organic honey production to the productivity of the honey industry? What are the consequences of the use of chemicals to the value of honey production and safety of the environment?
Interesting questions! Are you going to argue that organic honey production is supposedly environmentally friendly, but in reality it isn't? Some questions that come to mind about this topic are:
ReplyDeleteHow long has organic honey been produced?
Do you know who started the trend? When did it become a supposedly good idea?
Are farmers discovering solutions for their dilemma of having to decide how to best keep their hives healthy while being environmentally friendly?
What role does the media play in promoting organic honey? Are there ad campaigns for honey, or any interesting advertisements you've encountered that depict organic honey as a better choice?