A beekeeper will expect to lose 10 to 15 per cent of hives over a season. The experienced beekeeper will easily make up for these losses during the following season.

However, losses of about 40 per cent have been recorded throughout the UK during the last two years.

Hive losses in some areas of Montgomeryshire have been even higher than the UK average, with some beekeepers having lost all of their hives.

"Such losses are unsustainable and are a disaster for both the beekeepers and agriculture as a whole," said Tony Shaw, editor of the Montgomeryshire Beekeepers Newsletter.

"Farming Minister Lord Rooker has predicted that if nothing is done then the bee population will be wiped out in 10 years, meaning disaster for UK agriculture, as crops as diverse as apples, raspberries, broad beans, peas and clover all rely on the honey bee for pollination.

"Seeds for most root vegetables, the brassicas, cabbages, cauliflower and broccoli, as well as most of the seeds for the flowers in our gardens are all produced with the help of the honey bee.

"Imagine a world without fruit or flowers. Imagine living just off cereals. We will be reduced to living off bread and water: a punishment diet!"

The cause of the problem is Varroa, a small parasitic mite that has been invading Europe over the last 20-years.

In Wales bees have been particularly hard hit by the recent spell of wet weather. Bees cannot collect pollen or nectar during rain and during these periods feed on the honey collected during dry weather.

Last week the Welsh Bee Inspectorate issued a warning that bee colonies throughout Wales were suffering starvation and advising beekeepers to feed their hives.

"I cannot remember such a dire warning in the past," added Tony Shaw.
The Montgomeryshire Beekeepers Association were explaining the problems and delights of beekeeping at the Welsh Food Fair held at Glansevern Gardens, Berriew, on August 30 and 31.