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Organic beekeeping
When the U.S. National Organic Program Standards were finalized in 2002, they lacked specific guidelines for organic apiculture. Draft organic apiculture standards were put forward by an NOSB Apiculture Task Force in September 2001. The draft standards propose a 270-day transition period, creation of an Organic Apiculture Plan (along the lines of the Organic System Plan, and including a forage map) and a four-mile radius from the hives within which no prohibited materials are in use. Hives should be made of natural materials and painted with non-lead-based paints. Plastic foundation is permitted if dipped in organic wax and mounted in a wooden frame. Any supplemental honey or sugar syrup fed to the bees should be from organic sources.
Use of genetic modification technologies is considered an "excluded practice" in organics—all organic producers are required to take steps to prevent contamination of their products with GM traits. Bees are generally believed to travel as far as three miles from the hive, so, ideally, hives should be placed at the center of a circle at least six miles across with no GM crops within the circle.
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New rules are currently under review and development. Check with your certifier or the USDA NOP website for the most current information.
