Agricultural manufacturer New Holland has announced that it has joined the fight to find solutions to the problems which are threatening and killing dramatically high numbers of the UK’s honeybees.

New Holland has formed a partnership with the British Beekeepers’ Association (BBKA), which has led the campaign to raise funds for research to fully understand the problems that wiped out a third of British bee colonies in the winter of 2007-08 alone.

As well as providing funding, New Holland will use its dealer network and customer base to support the aims of the BBKA. It will have stands at key agricultural shows and events, where it can raise awareness of the work of the BBKA amongst farmers, land owners and contractors.

The Lincolnshire Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers' Association Annual Show in January will mark the official launch of the link with the BBKA, and New Holland’s stand promises to create a buzz during the two days of the show.

New Holland also plans to help promote the BBKA’s key aims to educate the public on the importance of bees in the environment and the impact they have on food security.

New Holland’s marketing manager Richard Spencer said: “Becoming a corporate member of the BBKA is a logical step for New Holland. Our products are used to harvest crops such as oilseed rape: our specialist tractors are designed for orchards, for example. It’s clear that the customers who use these machines also rely on honeybees for their livelihoods. We’re excited about this opportunity to work with the BBKA.”

The BBKA’s president Tim Lovett said:“The BBKA welcomes the opportunity to work with a major player in the agriculture sector and to be able to raise awareness with key groups such as farmers, land-owners, fruit growers and contractors, all of whom can have a major influence on the future welfare and success of honeybees in the UK. We are very much looking forward to working with the New Holland team.”

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