SECRETARY KAWAMURA ANNOUNCES VACANCIES ON THE STATE APIARY BOARD

SACRAMENTO – The Agriculture and Environmental Stewardship Office of the California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing five vacancies on the State Apiary Board.  This advisory board makes recommendations to the CDFA secretary on all matters pertaining to the California apiary industry.

The vacancies on the advisory board are for California beekeepers representing the major geographical divisions of the beekeeping industry. Board members receive no compensation but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the Department of Personnel Administration. The term of office for a board member is four years.

The California State Apiary Board was established by the Legislature, which declared that a healthy and vibrant apiary industry is important to the economy and welfare of the state, and that its promotion and protection is in the interest of the people of the State of California.

Recently, the apiary industry has been attacked by various exotic pests, pathogens and Colony Collapse Disorder, which have resulted in significant losses of bees throughout the state and nation. Honey bees pollinate $6 billion worth of crops in California – roughly one-third of the food we eat.  Three quarters of the nation’s honey bee colonies are needed to pollinate California’s almond crop alone, so the hives’ health is essential to meet the demands of Californians.

Individuals interested in being considered for an appointment should send a resume to the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Agriculture and Environmental Stewardship Office, Attn: Gerald Miller, 1220 ‘N’ Street, Sacramento, California 95814 by the close of business on July 7, 2008.

For further information on the Apiary Program and committee vacancies, contact Gerald Miller at (916) 651-9449.