BEEKEEPERS in North Devon have welcomed a Government announcement that will see £4.3 million spent on research into bee health over the next five years.

DEFRA Secretary of State Hilary Benn said that nearly £2.3 million over the next two years would support the work of the National Bee Unit while a further £2 million over five years would go towards bee health research.

The North Devon branch of the Devon Beekeepers Association (DBKA) has welcomed the funding, which it said could not have come at a better time.

Sylvia Barber, chairman of the North Devon branch of the DBKA, said: "Bee health should be a priority for 2009.

"This money comes as a great relief and just at the right time — beekeepers all over the country have been fighting for this funding for years.

"Bee health has been threatened by several factors lately. We believe the effects of the Varroa mite could well be destroying the immune systems of bees across the country but more research is urgently needed.

"There is also a disorder called Mosema which is causing serious problems and the United States are suffering from cases of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).

"Although CCD is not here in Britain yet, research is desperately needed to find out how we can stop this."

Dave James is a founder member of the Instrumented Hive Project, a group of North Devon based bee enthusiasts who carry out research into the social organisation and habits of bees.

Dave said: "The majority of this research money will go to the National Bee Unit and universities around the country.

"Although we won't see any of this funding it is a good step forward for bees around the country."

The news has also been welcomed by the National Farming Union (NFU). Paul Temple, vice president of the NFU, said: "While this isn't as much as we were hoping for it is a step in the right direction.

"Honey bees are an underpinning component of the British countryside and the role they play in pollination is vital for food production.

"Our bee farmers and beekeepers are the custodians of every single honey bee in our countryside and are facing devastating bee health problems.

"This money will go some way towards funding the comprehensive and co-ordinated research that needs to be undertaken."