TENNESSEE APPOINTS NEW STATE APIARIST
-New position responsible for bee health and
honey quality-
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of
Agriculture recently appointed Michael Studer as Tennessee’s state
apiarist. Honeybees play an important role in increasing the quantity and
quality of many agricultural crops as well as assuring the reproduction of
countless species of plants including wildflowers. Also, honeybees provide
several other products that are enjoyed by Tennesseans such as honey and
bees wax.
“We’re excited to welcome Mike Studer to TDA,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Ken
Givens. “His vast knowledge of honeybees will certainly be an asset to Tennessee agriculture.
“I’m glad that we’re able to
bring back this important position through Ag Enhancement funds to provide
additional support and guidance to beekeepers. This position will be
especially important in helping beekeepers deal with difficult bee health
issues that have devastated bee populations in recent years such as Colony
Collapse Disorder (CCD), Nosema pests and Varroa mites.”
Bee
pollination is estimated to contribute as much as $118 million in
additional value to Tennessee crops as well as providing significant indirect benefits to other
sectors of agriculture. The more than 800 registered
beekeepers in Tennessee that continue to promote agriculture through honey production or
pollination services.
The state apiarist will be
responsible for inspecting apiaries to determine bee health and work with
beekeepers to correct any health problems that may arise. The position is
also responsible for holding workshops to educate citizens on proper
beekeeping practices and potential problems. Studer has
already begun working with the Tennessee Beekeepers Association, University of Tennessee
Extension and beekeepers throughout the
state to offer assistance.
“Bees are a significant part of
agriculture as they serve as pollinators for the many crops, flowers and
nuts that are important to Tennessee and produce
honey,” said state Apiarist Michael Studer. “I am
pleased to begin serving the citizens of Tennessee and look
forward to working with local farmers and beekeepers to ensure there is a viable number of honeybee pollinators for Tennessee’s crops.”
The state apiarist position was
funded by the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program. TAEP is a state
funded program established by Governor Phil Bredesen and supported by the
General Assembly to increase farm income in Tennessee by helping
farmers invest in better farming practices and by encouraging diversification
and innovation. Through TAEP, farmers can qualify for 35 - 50 percent cost
share on a variety of projects including cattle handling and genetics, hay
and feed storage, dairy and milk quality, agritourism, specialty crops and
specialty livestock. Beekeepers can qualify for cost share enhancement
grants in order to enhance their honeybee operations and increase their
pollination services and honey production. This includes apiary expansion,
beehives, honey processing equipment and trailers for pollination service.
For more information on TDA’s Apiary Section, visit http://www.tennessee.gov/agriculture/regulate/apiary.
For more information on TAEP, visit http://www.picktnproducts.org.
