The Colorado State Beekeepers Association (CSBA) is the oldest and most widely recognized beekeeping organization in Colorado. It was founded in 1880 and incorporated in 1888 as the Colorado State Beekeepers’ Association. It is affiliated with the American Beekeeping Federation. The CSBA functions as an umbrella organization for all other regional beekeeping organizations and clubs in the State.  In addition, the CSBA is also the only organization in Colorado that represents the concerns and interests of the commercial beekeeping sector. The CSBA functions as the main interface between State and local agencies and beekeepers. In part, because of the increased use of neonicotinoids which reduces the area for healthy foraging and contributes to the high number of bee losses, the CSBA recently formed 5 committees. They are as follows:  Best Practices, Data Collection, Forage, Master Beekeeper and Pesticides.

In this special series called “The Neonicotinoid View”, hosts, June Stoyer and Tom Theobald talk to the President of the Colorado State Beekeepers Association (CSBA, Beth Conrey about the history of this organization and the steps it is taking to be proactive in the conservation and protection of honeybees. Stay tuned!

Bio:  Beth Conrey is the president of the Colorado State Beekeepers Association (CSBA).  She was elected president of the CSBA in 2010 and recently was re-elected for another 2 year term.