The goal at the February 19^th CA Dept of Food & Ag (CDFA) meeting was "to have a frank and open discussion with industry, government and NGO's on pollinators", according to Duane Schnabel, Branch Chief. Updates included the Apiary Board, Bayer Bee Care Tour, Border Stations, Pollinator Protection Labeling and Exotic Pests.

As part of PAm's outreach and education, the CA Border Inspection Stations are a focus of BMPs for beekeepers. Christi Heintz and Meg Ribotto participated in the meeting and report as follows:

• In 2012, there were 3,409 shipments to CA and 91% were found pest-free.

• In 2013, there were 3,321 shipments and 94% were found pest-free

• Delays are mainly due to weeds, RIFA and Small Hive Beetle

• The average delay time for pest-infested shipments is 4 hours or less

• 80% of the shipments are released within 12 hours

• Processing time has improved with Wi-Fi technology and the purchase of new laptops and digital imaging equipment

• There are 3 scientists at CDFA that make identifications

• In addition to 3 scientists, there are staff specialists who identify 'novel' species

• The border stations that process the most shipments are Yermo, Needles and Blythe

The importance of bee forage was also addressed. Since the Nov 6th meeting at the CA Farm Bureau, The CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife has been the most receptive agency in partnering with CSBA in providing beekeepers access to land use. CSBA will be invited to the 'planning process' meeting in which the CA Dept of Fish and Game, when it accepts new land, sets up grazing rights, conservation, etc and potentially apiary rights. This planning process is very straight forward and would be CDFA's pilot program. CSBA is fortunate to have Duane Schnabel as a liaison.

Probably the biggest news is that the Public Lands Committee is moving full steam ahead to create brochures for distribution to various land managers. These brochures specify expectations and ethical best management practices (BMPs) for beekeepers when maintaining apiaries on public and private lands. These BMPs were specified at the Nov.6th bee forage meeting held at the CFBF headquarters. Two prototypes of these brochures were emailed to CSBA members for comment shortly after the 1/24/14 board meeting and revised copies are already being featured at follow-up forage meetings.

The board has also discussed the severe drought and the impact it has had and is having, especially on West Side almond growers, who are cancelling their bee contracts because they can't get enough water to make a crop.

At its last November meeting, the board approved the Research Committee's recommendation of five research projects totaling $104,625.00. Projects by Dr. Dave Tarpy and Dr. Reed Johnson have been funded, the other three research projects are waiting for the return of routine paperwork prior to being funded.

It was noted that Apivar is no longer a restricted material and that the old Section 18 for Hopguard has been extended through December 2014. There will be a Section 3 on the new Hopguard formulation some time this year.  Dr. Eric Mussen says that it's better, but gooey, and don't wipe off the goo before using it because the goo has a lot of the active ingredient.

Finally, Amina Harris, UC Davis' Robert Mondavi Institute, is working on a Master Beekeeper Program for California. She will be doing the heavy lifting, but will be getting guidance from the CSBA.

The launch of the International Bee Research Association's (IBRA) BEEWORLD Project was January 30th at the Royal Hotelin, Cardiff, Wales. Sarah Red-Laird was among the speakers during the launch event. Her aim is to address the importance of local and international bee sustainability and the essential role outreach and education plays in this endeavor. The BEEWORLD program encourages teachers, schools and communities to have a greater understanding of bees and their importance to people and the planet. The program looks at the problems facing bees locally, as well as worldwide and searches for solutions. Pollination and sustainability are the core aspects of this new program. This unique project is designed to bring individuals of all ages and cultures together through a fascination of bees.