The Buzz Newsletter

June 2006

 

 

Page 4

What Can the Iowa Honey Producers Do For YOU?

I would like to let you know what the IHPA can do for you as a member. I read an article in the April 2006 issue of Country Folks Grower Midwest titled “What Can Associations Do For You?” I’d like to highlight some of the things that the author, Beth Newsome stated in the article.

“ Many farmers underestimate the benefits they might receive from joining a professional growers’ association. There are associations for almost any type of farm operation imaginable. A web search for ‘growers associations’ yields hundreds of professional growers’ support organizations. They represent interests in diverse operations. Groups may serve as Cooperatives, extend group insurance opportunities, offer educational seminars, or be engaged in regional politics. These associations are formed for a number of reasons. The benefits each association offers its members depend largely on why the group was formed.”

Ms Newsome further states, “They raise funds for research. They provide research findings to elected officials. Many groups use their membership as a base from which to gather statistics to provide to state and national policy makers. This way, they can make their concerns known.”

“Some growers associations represent a local area, rather than an industry. A horticultural association, which can include growers, retailers and landscapers can put on large annual trade show. These shows can provide a network of information and a marketplace for products and services.”

“Grower associations may be valuable in helping growers navigate tax laws, government regulations and state programs.”

“Informative conferences are held by some growers’ association. Researchers and other professionals can be invited to speak and answer questions. Some of these conferences may be tax deductible for growers. Groups may publish hard-to-find information or archive it to make it easily accessible. Studies that track industry growth are valuable for growers of crops whose markets are being developed or expanded.”

“Children of growers may benefit from youth educational activities organized by associations.”

The bylaws of the Iowa Honey Producers Association has in Article II-Objects of the organization. It reads: “The objects of this Association shall be to coordinate the interest of the beekeepers of Iowa and bring them into closer relationship of mutual helpfulness by association, conference and correspondence; to sponsor legislation for the benefit and protection of the industry; to assist in the dissemination of information on the control of diseases; to inform the members and the public of the valuable use of honey as well as the importance of the honey bee in relation to the pollination of agricultural crops, and to support every effort to promote the advancement of the beekeeping industry.

Let’s take a look at the advantages of membership in the IHPA:
1. The membership fee is very nominal compared to other organizations
2. Discount subscriptions to the national beekeeping magazines
3. The web-site information: ABuzzAboutBees.com
4. THE BUZZ newsletter
5. Hive Registration (with IDALS) Colony protection from pesticide spraying
6. Colony Inspections (with IDALS) Disease Control
7. Legislative communication for the industry-local, state, nationally
8. Participation in the Iowa State Fair- marketing, promotion & education
9. Honey Queen program provides statewide promotion of honey & products
10.Association with the Iowa Fruits & Vegetable Growers- pollination
11.Annual meeting brings in National Researchers & Speakers
12.Can provide information needed concerning regulations
13.Statistics are gathered and used for necessary promotion of honey & products
14.State Directory of members to promote, provide help to public & for emergencies
15.Youth mentoring program

These are some of the items provided by “our” organization. Yes, this is “our” IHPA. Please let the officers or directors know your wants and wishes. How can we provide the things that you want if we don’t know what they are. Thanks for being a member of the Iowa Honey Producers Association. If you know of a beekeeper that is interested in joining a great organization, inform him of the wonderful reasons for becoming a member.

Submitted by Donna Brahms