Padel, Susanne and Lowman, Steve (2005) Beekeeping, reproduction - UK Soil Association Organic Standards 2005. [Organic rules - Differences between other regulations/standards and EEC No 2092/91]
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Summary
It is prohibited to clip the wings of the queen bee or to use artificial insemination in beekeeping. Soil Association Organic Standards. Paragraph 15.2.8.
Difference
Soil Association standards prohibit the use of artificial (instrumental) insemination in bee keeping. EU Regulation 2092/91 does not include this prohibition.
Justification
The precautionary principle argues against pervasive use of instrumental insemination because the long-term consequences are unpredictable. Instrumental insemination of queen bees may reduce the diversity of the gene pool among honeybees as it involves the male spermatozoa of only one male rather than of 10 to 20 males in natural queen bee fertilisation. Traits may be selected for, such as productivity or resistance to specific diseases, but other useful traits could be lost.
EU Regulation
| Item type: | Organic rules - Differences between other regulations/standards and EEC No 2092/91 |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | Animal husbandry > Breeding techniques Specific animal standards > Beekeeping Specific animal standards |
| Country/Standard: | Europe > UK > Soil Association Organic Standards |
| Principles: | Principle of care Principle of health |
| ID Code: | 204 |
| Deposited By: | INVALID USER |
| Deposited On: | 20 Nov 2005 |
| Last Modified: | 24 Nov 2008 08:19 |
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