Beekeepers across Connecticut are joining forces to protect the state beekeeper from becoming a victim of the state’s deficit problems.
Hundreds of people have signed an online petition urging the General Assembly to protect funding for the state apiary inspector, known as the state beekeeper, in the state budget.
The campaign comes as legislators consider a bill that would protect the health of pollinators, including bees.
The state inspector is required to inspect bee colonies that come into Connecticut for agricultural pollination and other purposes.
Connecticut Beekeepers Association President Steve Dinsmore says the inspector helps prevent diseased hives from being transported into Connecticut and stops any bee pathogens from spreading to hives in the state.
The inspector also checks in-state colonies and helps beekeepers when they experience losses.
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