I was saddened to see this link on the Eastern Shore Beekeepers Association Facebook Page about Terrence Ingram and what seems to be a violation of his Constitutional rights written about and debated over at Food Freedom News. Imagine in this day and age, the Illinois Department of Agriculture taking such liberties without proper paperwork. Could this be true? Seems like foul play to this beekeeper. If this story is true, then beekeepers will not register hives or be party to beekeeping associations.
And more debate here at BeeSource.
If you are interested in the potential connection between Monsanto and colony collapse disorder, there is more information at Natural News.
Action is required. I’m sick of observing blatant abuses of government authority to repress our nation’s righteous minds and scientists, and all for the benefit of a corporation that in turn, supports that branch of government, (all too common with Monsato, USDA, EPA, and pharmaceutical companies, to name a very few). We the people need to represent Mr. Ingram, we need to make Monsato think twice about their injustices. What can be done? (7/20/2012)
Terrance Ingram will soon have his day in court and my hope is we’ll learn all sides of the story. In the meantime, here’s what we can do:
• Boycott Monstanto. Don’t buy any of their many products. If you know people who use their products, ask them to stop. Offer alternatives and make compelling arguments on why they should stop, not just “I’m mad at them.”
• Join organizations that support the business of organics, etc.
• Plant a meadow of flowers instead of grass. I just came inside to your comment after checking out what my guys accomplished today in the yard. We’re removing acres of grass and planting a meadow of wildflowers for the bees. Grass accomplishes nothing unless you are losing lots of land to erosion.
• Support organic farmers. Buy local produce. Eat at “local” eating establishments.
• Join a local CSA and eat produce that’s GMO, pesticide and herbicide free.
• Get into beekeeping. Raise your bees organically and chemical-free
I do want to mention that I worry that situations like Terrance Ingram’s may prevent new and experienced beekeepers from getting bee inspections and I don’t think that’s a good idea. I think bee inspections by experienced, senior level beekeepers are necessary because inexperienced beekeepers don’t know how to identify disease that could potentially eradicate all colonies in their region. It makes sense for this to be administered on a government level. Who else can? Beekeepers must be present for these inspections.
There are two parts to Terrance Ingram’s story that don’t sit well with me: Why an inspection occurred without him there; and where are his bees. It seems to me that the way Illinois Department of Agriculture handled this entire matter was bizarre at best. I look forward to learning all sides of this story in the future.
Resources
• American Beekeeping Federation
• Read up on what the National Organic Coalition is doing in Washington
• Greenpeace on GMOs
• Pesticide Action Network
This is disheartening. Kbart’s suggestions above are well worth taking.