I do not believe it is a good thing to mix private industry with government. I believe the right way to promote bees is by voluntary beekeepers leading by example, without using government involvement. I do not believe people should be forced to help pay to promote beekeeping, which is what happens when taxpayer dollars are spent by government to promote honeybees in any manner.
Edward, it sounds like you are trying to do things the right way. You are investing your own money and your own time, and not relying on government to help you share honeybee awareness.
No I don't rely on the government .
That being said , I don't dismiss there help either.
Localy our beekeeping club has a healthy relationship with local government. We and they have come to a mutual agreement that bees are good for society , farming , home gardening , and generally raising the standard of living locally.
Better harvests in home gardens= more income to spend on other things , a better quality of life.
This is a service that the bees provide , the only payment received i honey.
The local government lets us use suitable land for bee yards with out cost.
Also they have given us a place to hive our observation hive in a place where a lot of (hopefully) new beekeepers and general public have access to. No cost or rent. We are also looking for a place to have our club extractor , we don't have the economy to rent a space , mabee they can help , if there is some space/room that is not in use.
Also both of our learning bee yards are on government land , for free. :-D
Space on there web page.
We are also applying for grants from the European Union to get are queen breeding club going. (fingers crossed)
There is allot of give and take.
Beekeepers provide an important service to the local community that makes and sustains local growth and wealth.
Who is the government ?
WE ARE THE PEOPLE
It represents and hopefully benefits the people.
If not , start a new party and change things , stop moaning from the side lines. :shock:
Even beekeepers pay taxes , (hopefully) :-D
Balance in nature , beekeeping , government and taxation .
PEACE OUT
mvh edward :-P