On Aug. 28, Slow Food Wellington County will host a screening of The Vanishing of the Bees followed by an open discussion on colony collapse in Wellington County and what we can do as a community and as individuals to protect our precious pollinators.
According to the Ontario Beekeeper’s Association (OBA), Ontario has seen a 35% decline in pollinator populations. Members of OBA have reported seeing significant and increasing losses in recent years, which not only affects the livelihoods of our beekeepers, but if allowed to continue unmitigated, also has the potential to significantly affect our food supply.
The OBA has recently launched a petition to Premier Kathleen Wynne to ban the use of neonicotinoid pesticides (believed to be a cause of pollinator death), but greater community education and awareness is needed so that individuals and groups can begin taking action on the ground.
Heeding the sense of urgency around this issue, Slow Food Wellington County leader Chris Jess decided to take action.
“I’m not sure I want to live in an area that can’t sustain the life of a honeybee,” says Jess,
“Bees are an indication of environmental health. I want action to resolve this issue as soon as possible.”
Jess has acquired the rights to screen the film, a documentary exploring colony collapse disorder around the globe, and has invited a number of local experts and beekeepers to speak at the event. Rene van Acker (University of Guelph), Paul Kelly (Honey Bee Research Centre, University of Guelph), Ernesto Guzman (Honey Bee Research Centre, University of Guelph), Jim Coneybeare (Coneybeare Honey), and Nathan Carey, will be joining in the discussion.
“People need to be aware of the situation before they can take action,” adds Calantha Elsby, communications coordinator for Slow Food Wellington County, “The film is a great way to introduce the issue; the discussion will provide the community the confidence to take action.”
The event is open to the public. The event will take place at 7pm on Aug. 28 at the Elora Legion.
Admission is by suggested donation of $10 with proceeds going to the Friends of Pollinators Action Committee.
A cash bar will be offered as well as light ‘bee-friendly’ snacks.
