The Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture is praising the progress being made by beekeepers in improving the quality of the Island's honey bee population.
Richard Ronan MHK was speaking after the visit to the Island at the weekend of Roger Patterson, vice-chairman of the Bee Improvement and Bee Breeders' Association (BIBBA).
Mr Patterson is supporting the Manx Bee Improvement Group, a sub-committee of the Isle of Man Federation of Beekeepers that is working to improve the quality of Manx honey bees.
During his four-day stay, Mr Patterson assessed a number of colonies throughout the Island for their suitability for use in breeding.
His visit came shortly after the European Union declared the Isle of Man officially free of Varroa - a parasitic mite that infests honey bees, weakening them and transferring viruses between them.
Significant infestations of the mite can kill off entire colonies, with massive economic repercussions for those who rely on honey bees for pollination of crops.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) has worked with beekeepers since 2008 to achieve the status, which could greatly boost honey bee exports.
The Island has more than 800 beehives in about 200 apiaries.
The Minister said:
'I am pleased with progress being made by beekeepers in their efforts to improve Manx honey bees following the European Union's announcement. Identifying bees with good temperament and improved production should increase the number of beekeepers and raise our international profile still further.'
Stuart Jaques, Chief Veterinary Officer with DEFA, said:
'Beekeepers have set up an education centre for current and new beekeepers, where they are seeking to improve the bees through selective breeding. Temperament, productivity and other factors can be improved through careful selection of queens.'
He advised: It's illegal to import honey bees or beekeeping equipment that could spread diseases.
'We have done a great deal to protect the Manx honey bee and beekeepers are fastidious in avoiding importing second-hand equipment that could carry pests and diseases.
'However, I'd ask the public to be aware that honey, even virtually empty jars, should not be left out where bees can access it. Infections can pass through honey to bees and we should do all we can to reduce this risk.'
For more information on Mr Patterson's visit, go to www.iombeekeepers.com/improving-manx-bees/
