Developments !
With the government of Samoa now moving through its turmoil we are able to move forward with the projects investigation with vigor HOORAY !
The project details are advertised online in the Samoa Farmers Co-op site and our Samoa based helpers are securing additional sites for hives.
We have taken some really awesome advice from an experienced bee keeper in Tauranga New Zealand who is keen to help get this kicked off! Exciting times.
Initially to date, we have had 15 sites confirmed each to host ten hives each. A total of 150 hives. Given new information and guidance we are seeking an additional 85 sites to host 10 hives each, a total of 1000 hives to initiate the project.
By the advice provided from our bee expert, we know now that we need to also do a promotion around native planting, to allow that there is sufficient food for the bees. Reports that we have reviewed relating to honey in Samoa indicate that the country could host 4000 hives, it will always be a good thing to have ample food for them!
What I have discovered is that the following plants are ideal for bees. In our family villages we have ample Cocoa, plans for coffee and will launch a campaign to grow these plants local to each site that we have hives. After contacting the Samoa nursery, we found that the plants cost between 50 cents each and 2.00.
This week we did hear back from the government about the rules around import of bee products, queens, packaged bees and equipment. We have also found out about the export requirements for honey.
A little more information to find and we shall be away.
In the meantime, check out the link in the Samoa Farmers site we have launched, our search to confirm more hive sites is underway!
Here is to the bees !
Here is to planting !
Here is to Honey!
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