Mercado Internacional de la Miel. mayo 2014

lunes 16 de junio de 2014
http://www.indianahoney.org/news/International-Honey-Market.cfm?grp_id=6624


Mercado Internacional de la Miel
Ron Phipps
20 mayo de 2014

El mercado internacional de la miel se está acercando a una crisis debido a una escasez de miel, especialmente  miel blanca genuina y miel ámbar de bajo precio. La escasez y los altos precios de 2013 se están agudizando en el  2014. Pero la escasez de miel en 2014 está también reduciendo rápida y sustancial la disparidad de precios entre los distintos colores de miel. Detrás de estaa escasez de miel y  escalada de precios están los eventos climáticos negativos, especialmente la sequía en Argentina y Brasil. Estas sequías están afectando no sólo a la miel, sino también a otras producciones como el café y otros cultivos. .............. EE.UU. Según el Departamento de Agricultura de los EE.UU. de 2013 se incrementó la producción de miel doméstica al 5% a partir de 2012, a un total de más de £ 149 millones, con 2,64 millones de colonias dedicadas a la producción comercial de miel. A partir de mediados de mayo, prácticamente no hay existencias restantes en manos de apicultores. Los precios de las existencias remanentes de la miel han alcanzado niveles históricamente altos de alrededor de US $ 2.15/lb. para las mieles blancas, $ 2.05 y $ 1.95 para ELA para LA, estadounidenses y canadienses tenían un incentivo mínimo para conservar las producciones especialmente porque  la escasez produjo urgencia en la demanda de los  envasadores de miel . Como se acerca la próxima cosecha de la miel , los apicultores están hablando de $ 2.25/lb. para miel blanca y $ 2.15/lb. para ELA. Mieles monoflorales, que cada vez ás se comercializan como miel gourmet , están presentando a elevados precios. Mientras que la miel de citrus de Florida fue dañada nuevamente por las  pulverizaciones , California tuvo una mejor aunque irregular cosecha de miel de naranja, con baja humedad y y color más claro, que se ofrece en $ 2.25-$ 2.50/lb.,en función de la calidad. Los precios han aumentado de manera constante y vertiginosa y reflejan cosechas más pequeñas que las  cosechas de £ 220 millones. La menor  productividad por colmena que, por ejemplo, los viejos £ 150 por colmena para los cultivos de trébol de Dakota,  aumentó a los costos de producción. Estos factores se superponen a un mercado internacional de la miel en la crisis de la oferta y la cada vez más vulnerables a un aumento espectacular en la volatilidad de los patrones climáticos. Los apicultores informan que las abejas que vienen desde California hasta l Dakotas y el sur se encuentran en excelente forma. La cosecha dependerá de las flores que dependerá de las condiciones meteorológicas. El viejo adagio de no vender la miel hasta que esté en el tambor sigue siendo cierto. ............ California sufrió el año más seco registrado en la historia en 2013 y las condiciones para 2014 parecen ser similares ("Dry Again", Dan White, UCSC Review, primavera de 2014). En mayo, cuando los niveles de humedad son generalmente altos, el 95% de California estaba en grave sequía, las advertencias de fuego estaban en vigor y los incendios estaban afectando a la región sur. Las pérdidas de abejas tras el invierno de 2014 fueron  aproximadamente un 23%, mostrando una cierta mejora desde 2013 desde que las anteriores fueron del  30% (Bloomberg News, 15 de mayo de 2014). Si bien hay múltiples variables, incluyendo las prácticas de abejas migratorias, dietas mono, los ácaros y la pérdida de los hábitats naturales de la colmena, lo que afecta negativamente a la salud de la abeja de la abeja y  la presión sobre las poblaciones rurales, que es cada vez más claro devenir que el uso generalizado de los neonicotinoides en los cultivos agrícolas como un un factor principal. Los fabricantes de estos plaguicidas, como los fabricantes de productos de tabaco en una época anterior, son maestros en la ofuscación y la negación de los efectos nocivos de los productos de los que van a la deriva enormes ganancias. Un estudio de investigación reciente señala que las colonias sometidas a los pesticidas neonicotinoides habían abandonado sus colmenas - un síntoma clave de la CCD. Los neonicotinoides puede provocar un deterioro bioquímico de las funciones neurológicas de abejas, en concreto de la memoria, la cognición o el comportamiento. 3 Tomamos nota de que los neonicotinoides están prohibidos actualmente en la UE, pero todavía utiliza ampliamente en los EE.UU., por ejemplo, en el maíz. Aunque este estudio no es definitivo, y esto no disminuye el argumento de que una multiplicidad de factores que pueden estar en juego, la importancia mundial de la comprensión y la solución de este problema, que es importante para garantizar la suficiencia de los suministros mundiales de alimentos, se pone de relieve. La salud de la  población mundial de abejas es un factor que no puede ser ignorado. Es sólo uno de muchos factores ejerce una creciente tensión sobre la producción agrícola mundial. No es simplemente una cuestión de cantidad, sino también la calidad de los suministros mundiales de alimentos. Mientras que la polinización por las abejas representa un tercio de la producción agrícola total, se trata de un porcentaje mucho mayor de alimentos ricos en  fitoquímicos antioxidantes, como almendras, naranjas, manzanas, arándanos, arándanos, etc., que están en juego . La salud de las abejas está íntimamente integrado con la salud de la humanidad. El impacto de la quiebra importante y sin precedentes del año pasado continúa desarrollándose en el contexto de la escasez internacional de la miel y la escalada de precios. Los principales apicultores estadounidenses informan que las demandas colectivas asociadas a esta quiebra siguieron su camino siguieron  a través del sistema legal, con una lista ampliada de los acusados ​​que supuestamente se hayan involucrado en esquemas de triangulación de  la miel china. Argentina Por segundo año consecutivo, los cuatro trimestres de 2012 y 2013 fueron    testigos de un frenesí especulativo para asegurar  aumentos de  la cuota de mercado. Basado en tales especulaciones, se realizaron contratos significativos para la miel argentina, incluida la miel blanca, para ser enviada en 2013 y 2014. A menudo dichos cargamentos fueron pospuestos, cancelados o renegociados, imponiendo a los envasadores de miel serias dificultades. Una situación paralela existe para Brasil por su miel tanto orgánica como convencional. La cuota de mercado de dos envasadores de miel al por menor y de miel orgánica  ha comenzado a cambiar porque surgieron dificultades graves para asegurar cantidad y precio razonable de miel a precios razonables para cumplir con los contratos de los empacadores con sus clientes de supermercados, cadenas de descuento o fabricantes de productos que incorporan la miel como un ingrediente importante. Debilidad de divisas y  volatilidad en los países productores han exacerbado estas dificultades. Los apicultores enfrentan una menor producción total, el descenso de la productividad y el aumento de el costo de mantener a las colmenas sanas. Estos factores han obligado a los apicultores en América del Sur y en otros lugares a exigir precios más altos. Como las monedas como el peso argentino se redujeron en valor, los apicultores argentinos han comenzaron a retener su miel . Los  productores vieron los  precios en alza del dólar EE.UU. y posibilidad de obtener más pesos por dolar, cuanto más tiempo esperan más se erosiona el valor de su moneda . Se ha tornado más difícil sacar la miel de  las manos de los apicultores en América del Sur. Asociado a la gran quiebra en octubre de 2013, sigue habiendo los apicultores de Argentina que aún no han cobrado su miel del 2013. La precaución y atención prevalece en  las comunidades productoras. Con la inflación real en Argentina del 2,5% -3% por mes, los productores están reteniendo firmemente sus cosechas aunque sean pequeñas y aunque  los precios suben. El dilema de los empacadores por supuesto, es que necesitan algo que vender y no pueden tomar un baño financiero basado en la especulación de algunos importadores que vendían miel que estaba en la mano de nadie, sólo con  esperanza y en la  imaginación. Aunque algunos especulan que ante "inminente la devaluación de del peso" los apicultores argentinos vendan sus stocks a precios bajos, creemos que la especulación probará no ser más que una fantasía. Inicialmente, la proyección de 2013/2014 la cosecha de miel de Argentina osciló 70,000-75,000 toneladas métricas (154 hasta 165 millones libras.). La cosecha llega a su fin ya que este informe está escrito se estima en cerca de 50 000 toneladas métricas (110 millones de libras).. De enero a abril de 2014 22,000 toneladas métricas (£ 48,5 millones) fueron enviados al mundo. Debido a una primavera fría, la cosecha comenzó tarde. Durante el verano de Argentina hubo temperaturas extremas y la sequía en los estados centrales de Argentina lo general que representa más del 50% de la cosecha total. A finales del verano y principios de otoño, las fuertes lluvias y los días nublados fresco ocurridos afectaron a  los eucaliptos y las cosechas ámbar y ámbar claro. De enero a marzo, 2014, las exportaciones de Argentina al mundo ascendieron a casi 51 millones dólares en valor, con los EE.UU. como el principal destino.  Indonesia fue el quinto clasificado de destino exportaciones de miel argentina puede ser indicativo de las realidades más profundas que aparecen en la superficie. Los meteorólogs  han indicado que ellos ven signos (65% de probabilidad) de un nuevo El Niño en los países en desarrollo del Pacífico, se desarrolla como el verano de 2014. Si eso llega a pasar tendrá un impacto significativo indudablemente sobre  la cosecha 2014/2015. Brasil Las exportaciones de miel orgánica de Brasil enfrentan condiciones de fuerza mayor que obligó a  grandes retrasos en los envíos durante el segundo semestre de 2013.  Esa amarga experiencia, junto con la sequía de principios de 2014 ha conducido a un frenesí de asegurar suministros adecuados para el creciente mercado de  alimentos orgánicos. Han aumentado los precios al apicultor y la demanda,  intensificándose de una semana a otra, aumentando en $ .05/semana. Ucrania Las importaciones estadounidenses alcanzaron 2.474.068 libras entre enero y marzo de 2014. El drama geopolítico en Ucrania, el principal proveedor de miel a la UE dentro de Europa, se ha apoderado de la atención del mundo. No parece haber ninguna solución fácil, sin consecuencias negativas. En 2011, las exportaciones mundiales totales de Ucrania fueron 9.874 toneladas métricas (21.768.000 libras). Ucrania se ha convertido en una fuente muy importante de miel a Europa. También esto significa que los envasadores de miel europeas, temerosos de las consecuencias de la continuación y profundización de la agitación en Ucrania, y de la miel blanca  "fabricada" por China, adulterada y ultrafiltrada, están volviendo  a América del Sur con una relación dólar Euro / EE.UU. más fuerte relación de lo que muchos pronosticaban. Mientras que el Congreso Mundial de Apicultura que se celebraba en octubre de 2013 en Kiev, Ucrania, la quiebra de octubre de 2013 fue un terremoto que reveló las fisuras ocultas y relaciones ocultas dentro de las industrias de la miel estadounidenses e internacionales. Las réplicas continúan. Vietnam Las importaciones de miel de Vietnam en 2013 alcanzaron un nivel de £ 74 millones en 2013. A partir de marzo de 2014 ha importado los EE.UU. 19.800.000 libras de Vietnam. Miel vietnamita que fue mezclado con Acacia mangium, una fuente importante de flores, con un oscurecimiento rápido, dando lugar a problemas de color. La industria de la miel vietnamita está trabajando para encontrar maneras eficaces para seleccionar y mezclar la miel para cumplir con los parámetros de calidad de sus mercados de exportación, como una mayor estabilidad del color. Los diferentes niveles de tolerancia para los residuos han convertido a Europa en un destino alternativo para Vietnam. La miel ámbar clara vietnamita es de las más baratas en el  mercado internacional. Vietnam se ha opuesto diligentemente a la triangulación de la miel china a través de los países asiáticos. Las tensiones geopolíticas actuales, los conflictos y enfrentamientos militares entre China y Vietnam sobre los pozos de petróleo en alta mar en las aguas territoriales disputadas por ambos Vietnam y China han atraído interés mundial. India Las importaciones de miel de la India en 2013 alcanzaron alrededor de £ 57 millones para el año. Es importante tener en cuenta que más de 8,368 millones libras de miel blanca fueron importados en 2013. Las importaciones para 2014 han disminuido abruptamente. Hubo ofertas para miel blanca premium  india que pueden estar disponibles en $ 1.80/lb., por debajo de los niveles de precios actuales de miel blanca de EE.UU. y Canadá. La miel india  ELA y LA se cotizaron a $ 1.75/lb. y $ 1.65/lb., respectivamente. Elusión El problema de la elusión de la miel china para evitar los derechos antidumping ha sufrido un golpe muy fuerte y las personas y / o empresas  se han enviado a la cárcel, o han sido condenados a pagar enormes multas, entrado acuerdos enjuiciamiento diferido, nombrados  como conspiradores a la evasión, en la acción de clase pleitos, etc. Pero el problema no ha cesado, sólo las tácticas han cambiado. A principios de mayo, los productores de miel de la AHPA fueron a Washington, DC e informar de la siguiente manera: "Comisario Gil Kerlikowske comprometió nuevamente EE.UU. Aduanas Patrulla Fronteriza ... para detectar y eliminar la elusión generalizada, fraudulenta de la orden de derechos antidumping sobre las importaciones de miel de China: como a través de las" ". Fiscalía" Honeygate Un miembro AHPA necesitará como representante de la industria de la miel EE.UU. en un comité del sector privado que asesore a las Aduanas de EE.UU. y de la Patrulla Fronteriza e Inmigración y Control de Aduanas en cuestiones de observancia del comercio internacional. Nadie en la industria de la miel, o los gobiernos de las naciones importantes, descarta el surgimiento de nuevos esquemas de elusión de miel china, miel blanca especialmente, a través de viejos o nuevos puntos de transbordo. La elusión a través de más de 20 naciones contribuyó a crear desorden tanto el pasado como en la actualidad. Informes de la miel oscura que se exporta a terceros países para agregar color, y el polen que permite  el cumplimiento de la integridad de etiquetado del país de origen para la miel en bruto y elaborada, hacen  a la preocupación constante y el desafío. A medida que la escasez de miel se extiende de blanco a los grados más oscuras, y el diferencial de precios entre los diferentes colores disminuye, la posibilidad de elusión de las dos mieles, ámbar extra claro y ámbar claro,  no puede ser ignorada. También es relavante señalar que China está estableciendo  inversión directa exterior con  la compra de las fábricas,  granjas, campos petroleros,  bancos y  minas en el mundo entero. No podemos asumir con sabiduría que la  elusión se ha detenido porque es más probable que se está asumiendo nuevas formas. Tales formas incluyen la miel de mezcla de terceros países para agregar color y el polen de la miel y jarabe de arroz en mezclas chinas "ultrafiltrada ". Por esa razón es importante, como ya señalara el profesor Vaughan Bryant,  el establecimiento de una base de datos global del polen en el suministro de miel en el mundo. Los niveles de tolerancia y límites de pruebas Como todos sabemos, las abejas no son invulnerables a las enfermedades y la miel, por lo tanto, no habita en un reino mítico de ultra pureza. La necesidad de que los niveles de tolerancia razonables y realistas y los límites de ensayo basados ​​en los niveles de IDA (ingesta diaria promedio) es un tema sobre el que he escrito durante una década. Tenemos que proteger la salud humana y la salud de las abejas de miel ya que ambos son imperativos interrelacionados. No podemos escondernos detrás de la ilusión de que la falta de evaluaciones científicas de los riesgos de salud y los límites de tolerancia razonables y la prueba es "su problema, no el mío", ya que son nuestros problemas comunes en nuestra industria de la miel internacional cada vez más integrado. En la actualidad hay planes para hablar de este tema con la FDA y tratar de alcanzar soluciones razonables donde la ignorancia y el silencio prevalecía anteriormente. El contexto es más favorable. La preocupación por el abuso de los antibióticos en la ganadería moderna que se ha intensificado con mutaciones genéticas han dado lugar a las bacterias resistentes a los antibióticos. Esto refleja tanto menos de las condiciones óptimas para la cría de aves de corral, cerdos y ganado y no usar antibióticos para proteger a los animales de la enfermedad, sino para promover "un rápido crecimiento de los animales. Si disminuye el   uso excesivo de antibióticos sobre estas importantes fuentes de de proteína animal, no hay ninguna razón válida para imponer niveles extremadamente bajos a las pruebas o los niveles de tolerancia para la miel, cuyo consumo per cápita anual es cerca de 1.1 libras. / Per cápita! Podemos recordar la canción animada de la Oklahoma musical: "¿Pueden los agricultores y los ganaderos sólo amigos?" Necesitamos que la relación entre los productores, empacadores, importadores y exportadores sea amigable. Tanto la miel nacional y extranjera se beneficiará de establecer y hacer cumplir los límites de prueba razonables y realistas de niveles de tolerancia. La industria internacional de la miel debe propiciar acciones coordinadas de gobierno a las agencias reguladoras del gobierno en el punto de exportación e importación, los productores y empacadores, exportadores e importadores, laboratorios privados y gubernamentales, a fin de lograr la seguridad alimentaria, el suministro adecuado y fluído de la miel, con ensayos basados ​​en la ciencia auténtica y riesgos para la salud. La Asociación Nacional de Empacadores y Comerciantes de Miel está trabajando para ser parte de este esfuerzo. Cambio Climático Global El marzo de 2014, los informes de las Naciones Unidas sobre el cambio climático han documentado el rápido levantamiento de la temperatura global y la medida en que se trata de procesos de auto-alimentación que lo hacen más grave. Por ejemplo, cuando los glaciares se derriten los colores claros que cubren grandes muestras del planeta se reemplazan con colores más oscuros, los primeros que reflejan el 95% de la energía solar de vuelta al espacio y los procesos de calentamiento se exacerban. ….. El aumento de la volatilidad de A, la gravedad, la frecuencia y la imprevisibilidad de los patrones climáticos globales y plantea serios efectos negativos sobre la producción agrícola mundial. El Almirante David Titley  co-autor de un informe que indica que las implicaciones estratégicas geopolíticas del cambio climático son cada vez más claras año tras año ("Climate modificación considerada por los investigadores militares creciente amenaza a la seguridad", New York Times, 14 de mayo de 2014). La Evaluación Nacional del Clima, informó Donald Wuebbles de la Universidad de Illinois, publicado en mayo de 2014, declaró: "Estamos viendo ya las condiciones meteorológicas extremas y está sucediendo ahora. Estamos viendo más olas de calor Especialmente en el Oeste y en el Sur ". Conclusión Esperemos que en algún momento pasarán estas tormentas a un mercado más estable y vibrante de miel, sobre la base de un marketing creativo de la miel.  Tal mercado requerirá 1) una mayor integridad y sin las máscaras del engaño que han nublado el mercado internacional de la miel por más de una década, y 2) la comercialización creativa. El reto fundamental será cómo conservar y armonizar tanto el incentivo para producir miel con el incentivo para consumir miel. Este esfuerzo requerirá los esfuerzos de cooperación de los productores, empacadores, exportadores e importadores y de trabajo con los gobiernos para asegurar la integridad y la igualdad de condiciones. Las entidades de comercialización, al igual que nuestra Junta Nacional de la Miel, se continuará trabajando con la industria para aumentar la percepción de que el romance entre los consumidores, el valor, beneficios para la salud, la calidad y variedad de los productos de estos que 1) surgen de la interacción de las abejas y las flores, zoológico y la vida botánica, y 2) desempeñan un papel vital en la producción de la diversa oferta global de alimentos necesarios para sostener y promover la civilización humana. PNCA International, Ltd. 1043 Oyster Bay Road East Norwich, NY 11732 Tel: (516) 935-3880 Fax: (516) 628-3959 e-mail: info@cpnaglobal.com Informe distribuidos de mayo de 2014 El Sr. Phipps es presidente y fundador de PNCA International, Ltd. y se encuentra actualmente en la Junta Nacional de la Miel. Él es un importador de miel, alimentos naturales y té de diferentes productores internacionales. También Ron es el ex asistente de investigación personal para el presidente de la Asociación Americana de Filosofía. Él es un recipiente de la beca de la Fundación Nacional de Ciencia para la filosofía de la física teórica. Sr. Phipps es un miembro fundador del Comité de de té y la salud, que organizó tres importantes simposios científicos sobre el té y la salud y el papel de los antioxidantes en la prevención de la enfermedad. Ha trabajado con la FDA para desarrollar un protocolo de investigación para la diversidad global de la miel. Actualmente, el Sr. Phipps es presidente de la Cámara Internacional de Jugadores. International Honey Market by Ron Phipps May 20, 2014 Ron Phipps President, CPNA International Ltd.1 Co-Chairman, Committee for the Promotion of Honey and Health The International Honey Market is approaching a crisis due to a shortage of honey, especially genuine white honey and low priced light amber honey. The shortages and high prices of 2013 are finding more acute expression in 2014. But the shortage of honey in 2014 is also rapidly and substantially narrowing the traditional price gaps among white, extra light amber, light amber and amber honey. Behind these shortages and escalating prices are negative climate events, especially the droughts in Argentina and Brazil. These droughts are affecting not only honey but also coffee as their impact is relatively indiscriminate. For example, Brazil’s drought has caused coffee prices to spike during the past 5 months from $1.20/lb. to $2.10/lb. The extended and persistent drought in California is contributing to rapidly increased prices for citrus fruits and nuts. USA According to the US Department of Agriculture, 2013 domestic honey production increased 5% from 2012, to a total over 149,000,000 pounds with 2.64 million colonies engaged in commercial production of honey. As of mid May, there are virtually no stocks remaining in beekeepers' hands. With prices for remaining stocks of honey having attained historically high levels of roughly $2.15/lb. for white, $2.05 for ELA and $1.95 for LA, American and Canadian beekeepers had minimal incentive to retain stocks, especially as the international shortage of honey created urgent demand among packers. As new crop honey approaches, beekeepers are talking of $2.25/lb. for new crop white and $2.15/lb. for ELA. Mono-flora honeys, which are increasingly being marketed as gourmet specialty honey, are commanding high prices. While Florida’s orange honey crop was again harmed by spraying of pesticides, California had an improved, though spotty, orange honey crop, lower in moisture and lighter in color, being offered at $2.25-$2.50/lb., depending on quality. That prices have so steadily and steeply risen reflects smaller crops than the old bumper crops of 220 million lbs., lower productivity per hive than, for example, the old 150 pounds per hive for Dakota clover crops, and increased costs of production. These factors are superimposed upon an international honey market in crisis of supply and increasingly vulnerable to dramatically increased volatility of weather patterns. Beekeepers report that the bees coming to the Dakotas from California and the south are in excellent shape. The crop will depend the flowers which will depend upon the weather. The old adage of not selling honey until it is in the barrel still rings true. The graph below, based upon USDA statistics, clearly illustrates price trends during the past few years. Prices of $0.98/lb. in 2007 compare to $2.10/lb. in 2013, representing an increase of over 110% during 7 years. California suffered the driest year in recorded history in 2013, and conditions for 2014 are looking like more of the same (“Dry Again,” Dan White, UCSC Review, Spring 2014). In May, when moisture levels are typically high, 95% of California was in severe drought, fire warnings were in effect and fires were affecting the southern region. Bee losses after the winter of 2014 were about 23%, showing some improvement from 2013, when they were 30% (Bloomberg News, May 15, 2014). While there are multiple variables, including migratory bee practices, mono diets, mites, and loss of natural bee habitat, negatively affecting bee health and the stress on bee populations, it is becoming increasingly clear that the widespread use of neonicotinoids on agricultural crops is a major factor. The manufacturers of these pesticides, like the manufacturers of tobacco products in an earlier era, are masters at obfuscation and denial of the harmful effects of the products from which they derive huge profits. A recent research study reports that colonies subject to neonicotinoid pesticides had abandoned their hives – a key symptom of CCD. Neonicotinoids may cause bio-chemical impairment of honey bee neurological functions, specifically memory, cognition, or behavior. We note that 3 neonicotinoids are currently banned in the EU, but still widely used in the US, for example, on corn. While this study is not definitive, and it does not diminish the argument that a multiplicity of factors may be at play, the global significance of understanding and solving this problem, which is important to assuring the adequacy of global food supplies, is underscored. The health of the world’s bee populations is a factor which cannot be ignored. It is only one of many factors placing increasing stress upon global agricultural production. It is not merely a question of the quantity, but also the quality of global food supplies. While pollination by honey bees accounts for 1/3 of total agricultural production, it is a much higher percentage of anti-oxidant rich, phyto-chemical foods, including almonds, oranges, apples, blueberries, cranberries, etc., which are at stake. The health of bees is inextricably integrated with the health of humanity. The impact of last year’s major and unprecedented bankruptcy continues to unfold within the context of the international shortage of honey and escalating prices. Leading American beekeepers report that the class action suits associated with this bankruptcy continue to wind their way through the legal system, with an expanded list of defendants who are alleged to be involved in schemes of collusion to circumvent Chinese honey. Argentina For the second year in a row, the 4th quarters of 2012 and 2013 witnessed a speculative competitive frenzy to secure increased market share of honey. Based upon such speculation, contracts were entered for significant quantities of Argentine honey, including white honey, to be shipped in 2013 and 2014. Those shipments were often either substantially delayed, cancelled or re-negotiated, imposing upon packers of honey serious difficulties. A parallel situation exists for Brazil for both its organic and conventional honey. Market share for both retail and organic honey among packers has begun to shift as serious difficulties emerged to secure enough honey at reasonable prices to fulfill packers’ contracts with their customers whether supermarkets, discount chains or manufacturers of products incorporating honey as an important ingredient. Currency weakness and volatility in producing countries exacerbated these difficulties. Beekeepers faced lower total production, lower productivity per hive and increased costs of maintaining healthy bees. These factors have compelled beekeepers in South America and elsewhere to demand higher prices. As currencies like the Argentine peso declined in value, Argentine beekeepers began to hold their limited honey in their hands. Producers saw both US dollar prices rising and their ability to obtain more pesos per US dollar, the longer they waited and the more the value of their currency eroded. Prying honey out of the hands of beekeepers in South America has become more difficult. Associated with the large bankruptcy in October, 2013, there remain beekeepers in Argentina who are still unpaid for 2013 honey. Caution and resolve pervade the producer communities. With real inflation in Argentina of 2.5%-3% per month, producers are holding their small stocks tightly even as prices rise. The dilemma of course is packers need something to sell and they cannot take a financial bath based upon the speculation of some importers who sold honey that was in no one’s hand, only their hope and imagination. While some speculate that an “impending de-valuation of the peso” will pry honey out of the hands of Argentine producers at low prices, we think that speculation will prove to be a fantasy. Initially, projection of Argentina’s 2013/2014 honey crop ranged from 70,000-75,000 metric tons (154-165,000,000 lbs.). The crop coming to an end as this report is written is estimated at closer to 50,000 metric tons (110,000,000 lbs.). From January to April, 2014, 22,000 metric tons (48,500,000 pounds) were shipped to the world. Due to a cold spring, the crop began late. During Argentina’s summer there were extreme temperatures and drought in the central states of Argentina which typically account for over 50% of the total crop. In late summer to early autumn, heavy rains and cool cloudy days occurred affecting the eucalyptus and Chilean Light Amber and Amber crops. From January to March, 2014, Argentina’s exports to the world totaled nearly $51,000,000 in value, with the USA as the major destination. That Indonesia was the 5th ranked Argentine honey export destination may be indicative of deeper realities than appear on the surface. Meterologists have indicated that they see signs (65% probability) of a new El Niño developing in the Pacific, as summer 2014 develops. If that comes to pass, it will undoubtedly have a significant impact upon the 2014/2015 crop. Brazil Brazil organic honey exports faced virtual force majeure conditions with extensive delays and non-shipments during the second half of 2013. That bitter experience, coupled with the drought of early 2014, has led to a frenzy to secure adequate supplies for the growing market for organic foods. Beekeeper prices, given heightened and pent up demand for some Brazilian honey, escalated from week to week, increasing by $.05/week. Brazilian Honey Exports, First Quarter 2014 Ukraine U.S. imports reached 2,474,068 pounds during January to March 2014. The geo-political drama in Ukraine, the major supplier of honey within Europe to the EU, has gripped the world’s attention. There do not seem to be any easy solutions without negative consequences. In 2011, total world exports from Ukraine were 9,874 metric tons (21,768,000 pounds). Ukraine has become a very important source of honey for Europe. This also means that European honey packers, fearful of both the consequence of continuing and deepening turmoil in the Ukraine, and both adulterated and ultrafiltered and “concocted” white Chinese honey, are turning to South America and doing so with a stronger Euro/US dollar ratio than many anticipated. While the World Beekeeping Congress was being held in October, 2013, in Kiev, Ukraine, the bankruptcy of October, 2013, was an Earthquake that revealed hidden fissures and hidden relations within the American and international honey industries. The aftershocks continue. Vietnam Vietnam honey imports in 2013 attained a level of 74,000,000 pounds in 2013. As of March, 2014, the US has imported 19,800,000 pounds from Vietnam. Vietnamese honey that was blended with Acacia mangium, a major floral source, was darkening very rapidly, leading to color problems. The Vietnamese honey industry is working to find effective ways to select and blend honey to meet quality parameters of their export markets, including greater color stability. Different tolerance levels for residues have made Europe an alternate destination for Vietnam. Vietnamese Light Amber honey is among the least expensive honeys in the international market. Vietnam has very diligently opposed circumvention of Chinese honey through Asian countries. The current geo-political tensions, conflicts and military skirmishes between Vietnam and China over offshore oil wells in territorial waters disputed by both Vietnam and China have attracted global concern. India Indian honey imports in 2013 reached about 57,000,000 pounds for the year. It is important to note that over 8,368,000 pounds of white honey were imported in 2013. Imports for 2014 have abruptly declined. There were offers floating for premium white Indian honey that may be available at $1.80/lb., far below the current price levels for US and Canadian white honey. Indian ELA and LA were quoted at $1.75/lb. and $1.65/lb., respectively. Honey Circumvention The problem of circumvention of Chinese honey to avoid anti-dumping duties has been dealt very serious blows and people and/or companies have been sent to jail, paid huge penalties, entered deferred prosecution agreements, been named as conspirators to circumvention, in class action lawsuits, etc. But the problem has not ceased, only the tactics have changed. In early May, honey producers from the AHPA went to Washington, D.C. and report as follows: “Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske recommitted U.S. Customs Border Patrol to …detect and eliminate the widespread, fraudulent circumvention of the antidumping duty order on honey imports from China, such as through the “Honeygate” prosecutions.” An AHPA member will serve as a representative of the U.S. honey industry on a private sector committee that advises the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement on international trade enforcement issues. No one in the honey industry, or the governments of important nations, rules out the emergence of new schemes of circumvention of Chinese honey, especially white honey through old or new points of transshipment. Circumvention through over 20 nations helped create both the past disorder and the current dilemmas. Reports of dark honey being exported to third countries to add color and pollen makes the enforcement of the integrity of country of origin labeling for raw and processed honey a continual concern and challenge. As the shortage of honey extends from white to darker grades, and the price differential among different colors diminishes, the possibility of circumvention of both Extra Light Amber and Light Amber cannot be ignored. It is also relevant to note that China is establishing Direct Outside Investment, buying factories, farms. Petroleum fields, banks and mines throughout the entire world. We cannot wisely assume circumvention has stopped for it is more likely that it is assuming new forms. Such forms involve blending honey from third countries to add color and pollen to “ultra-filtered” Chinese honey and rice syrup blends. For that reason it is important, as Prof. Vaughan Bryant points out, to establish a global data base of the pollen of the world’s honey supply. Tolerance Levels and Testing limits As we all know, bees are not invulnerable to diseases and honey, therefore, does not dwell in a mythical realm of ultra-purity. The need for reasonable and realistic tolerance levels and testing limits based upon ADI (average daily intake) levels is an issue about which I have written for a decade. We need to protect both human health and the health of honey bees since both are inter-related imperatives. We cannot hide behind the illusion that the lack of science based assessments of health risks and reasonable tolerance and testing limits is “your problem, not mine,” since they are our shared problems in our increasingly integrated, international honey industry. There are now plans to discuss this issue with the FDA and seek to achieve reasonable solutions where ignorance and silence previously prevailed. The context is more favorable. The concern with the abuse of antibiotics in modern animal husbandry has intensified with genetic mutations that have led to antibiotic resistant bacteria. This reflects both less than optimum conditions for raising poultry, pigs and cattle and using antibiotics not to protect animals from disease, but to promote rapid growth of animals. If the excessive use of antibiotics on these major sources of animal protein declines, there is no valid reason to impose extremely low levels or no testing or tolerance levels, for honey, whose per capita annual consumption is about 1.1 lbs./per capita! Can we recall the lively song from the musical Oklahoma: “Can’t the farmers and the ranchers just be friends?” We need the producers and packers, and the importers and exporters, to become more friendly. Both domestic and foreign honey will benefit from establishing and enforcing reasonable and realistic testing limits and tolerance levels. The international honey industry needs to encourage coordination among government to government regulatory agencies at point of export and import, producers and packers, exporters and importers, private and government laboratories, in order to achieve food safety, adequate supply and smoother flow of honey, and testing based upon science and authentic health risks. The National Honey Packers and Dealers Association is working to be part of this effort. Global Climate Change The March, 2014, UN reports on climate change have most dramatically and scientifically documented the rapid rising of global temperatures and the extent to which these are self-feeding processes which render their reality all the more serious. For example, as glaciers melt and the perma-frost retreats, light colors covering large swatches of the planet are replaced with darker colors, the former reflecting 95% of solar energy back into space and the latter absorbing solar energy and exacerbating warming processes. Similarly, the report released by NASA and the University of California, Irvine, in April 2014, indicating that “Global warming fuels loss of ice sheet in West Antarctic” bears great significance for the future of climate change and rising oceans. Once again the geo-physical processes concerned are self-feeding. The increased volatility, severity, frequency and unpredictability of global weather patterns pose serious and negative effects upon global agricultural production. Admiral David Titley has co-authored a report indicating that the geo-political strategic implications of climate change are becoming clearer year by year (“Climate Changes Deemed Growing Security Threat by Military Researchers,” New York Times, May 14, 2014). The National Climate Assessment, reported by Donald Wuebbles of the University of Illinois, released in May, 2014, stated: “We’re already seeing extreme weather and it’s happening now. We’re seeing more heat waves particularly in the West and in the South.” Conclusion Hopefully at some point these storms will pass and a more stable and vibrant honey market, based upon more creative marketing of honey, will be developed. Such a market will require 1) greater integrity without the masks of deceit that have clouded the international honey market for over a decade, and 2) creative marketing. The fundamental challenge will be how to both preserve and harmonize the incentive to produce honey with the incentive to consume honey. This effort will require the cooperative efforts of producers, packers, exporters and importers and working with governments to ensure integrity and a level playing field. Marketing Boards, like our National Honey Board, will continue to work with the industry to increase the perception among consumers of the romance, value, health benefits, quality and variety of these products which 1) arise from the interaction of bees and flowers, zoological and botanical life, and 2) play a vital role in producing the overall, diverse food supply needed to sustain and advance human civilization. CPNA International, Ltd. 1043 Oyster Bay Road East Norwich, NY 11732  (516) 935-3880 Tel:  (516) 628-3959 Fax:  info@cpnaglobal.com e-mail: Report distributed May, 2014 Mr. Phipps is president and founder of CPNA International, Ltd. and is currently on the National Honey Board. He is an importer of honey, natural foods and tea from various international producers. Ron is also the former personal research assistant to the president of the American Philosophy Association. He is a recipient of the National Science Foundation fellowship for philosophy of theoretical physics. Mr. Phipps is a founding member of the Tea &  He has worked with FDA to develop a research protocol for the global diversity of honey. Currently, Mr. Phipps is president of the Chamber Players International. scientific symposiums on tea and health and the role of antioxidants in the prevention of disease. Health Committee, which organized three major

International Honey Market by Ron Phipps May 20, 2014 Ron Phipps President, CPNA International Ltd.1 Co-Chairman, Committee for the Promotion of Honey and Health The International Honey Market is approaching a crisis due to a shortage of honey, especially genuine white honey and low priced light amber honey. The shortages and high prices of 2013 are finding more acute expression in 2014. But the shortage of honey in 2014 is also rapidly and substantially narrowing the traditional price gaps among white, extra light amber, light amber and amber honey. Behind these shortages and escalating prices are negative climate events, especially the droughts in Argentina and Brazil. These droughts are affecting not only honey but also coffee as their impact is relatively indiscriminate. For example, Brazil’s drought has caused coffee prices to spike during the past 5 months from $1.20/lb. to $2.10/lb. The extended and persistent drought in California is contributing to rapidly increased prices for citrus fruits and nuts. USA According to the US Department of Agriculture, 2013 domestic honey production increased 5% from 2012, to a total over 149,000,000 pounds with 2.64 million colonies engaged in commercial production of honey. As of mid May, there are virtually no stocks remaining in beekeepers' hands. With prices for remaining stocks of honey having attained historically high levels of roughly $2.15/lb. for white, $2.05 for ELA and $1.95 for LA, American and Canadian beekeepers had minimal incentive to retain stocks, especially as the international shortage of honey created urgent demand among packers. As new crop honey approaches, beekeepers are talking of $2.25/lb. for new crop white and $2.15/lb. for ELA. Mono-flora honeys, which are increasingly being marketed as gourmet specialty honey, are commanding high prices. While Florida’s orange honey crop was again harmed by spraying of pesticides, California had an improved, though spotty, orange honey crop, lower in moisture and lighter in color, being offered at $2.25-$2.50/lb., depending on quality. That prices have so steadily and steeply risen reflects smaller crops than the old bumper crops of 220 million lbs., lower productivity per hive than, for example, the old 150 pounds per hive for Dakota clover crops, and increased costs of production. These factors are superimposed upon an international honey market in crisis of supply and increasingly vulnerable to dramatically increased volatility of weather patterns. Beekeepers report that the bees coming to the Dakotas from California and the south are in excellent shape. The crop will depend the flowers which will depend upon the weather. The old adage of not selling honey until it is in the barrel still rings true. The graph below, based upon USDA statistics, clearly illustrates price trends during the past few years. Prices of $0.98/lb. in 2007 compare to $2.10/lb. in 2013, representing an increase of over 110% during 7 years. California suffered the driest year in recorded history in 2013, and conditions for 2014 are looking like more of the same (“Dry Again,” Dan White, UCSC Review, Spring 2014). In May, when moisture levels are typically high, 95% of California was in severe drought, fire warnings were in effect and fires were affecting the southern region. Bee losses after the winter of 2014 were about 23%, showing some improvement from 2013, when they were 30% (Bloomberg News, May 15, 2014). While there are multiple variables, including migratory bee practices, mono diets, mites, and loss of natural bee habitat, negatively affecting bee health and the stress on bee populations, it is becoming increasingly clear that the widespread use of neonicotinoids on agricultural crops is a major factor. The manufacturers of these pesticides, like the manufacturers of tobacco products in an earlier era, are masters at obfuscation and denial of the harmful effects of the products from which they derive huge profits. A recent research study reports that colonies subject to neonicotinoid pesticides had abandoned their hives – a key symptom of CCD. Neonicotinoids may cause bio-chemical impairment of honey bee neurological functions, specifically memory, cognition, or behavior. We note that 3 neonicotinoids are currently banned in the EU, but still widely used in the US, for example, on corn. While this study is not definitive, and it does not diminish the argument that a multiplicity of factors may be at play, the global significance of understanding and solving this problem, which is important to assuring the adequacy of global food supplies, is underscored. The health of the world’s bee populations is a factor which cannot be ignored. It is only one of many factors placing increasing stress upon global agricultural production. It is not merely a question of the quantity, but also the quality of global food supplies. While pollination by honey bees accounts for 1/3 of total agricultural production, it is a much higher percentage of anti-oxidant rich, phyto-chemical foods, including almonds, oranges, apples, blueberries, cranberries, etc., which are at stake. The health of bees is inextricably integrated with the health of humanity. The impact of last year’s major and unprecedented bankruptcy continues to unfold within the context of the international shortage of honey and escalating prices. Leading American beekeepers report that the class action suits associated with this bankruptcy continue to wind their way through the legal system, with an expanded list of defendants who are alleged to be involved in schemes of collusion to circumvent Chinese honey. Argentina For the second year in a row, the 4th quarters of 2012 and 2013 witnessed a speculative competitive frenzy to secure increased market share of honey. Based upon such speculation, contracts were entered for significant quantities of Argentine honey, including white honey, to be shipped in 2013 and 2014. Those shipments were often either substantially delayed, cancelled or re-negotiated, imposing upon packers of honey serious difficulties. A parallel situation exists for Brazil for both its organic and conventional honey. Market share for both retail and organic honey among packers has begun to shift as serious difficulties emerged to secure enough honey at reasonable prices to fulfill packers’ contracts with their customers whether supermarkets, discount chains or manufacturers of products incorporating honey as an important ingredient. Currency weakness and volatility in producing countries exacerbated these difficulties. Beekeepers faced lower total production, lower productivity per hive and increased costs of maintaining healthy bees. These factors have compelled beekeepers in South America and elsewhere to demand higher prices. As currencies like the Argentine peso declined in value, Argentine beekeepers began to hold their limited honey in their hands. Producers saw both US dollar prices rising and their ability to obtain more pesos per US dollar, the longer they waited and the more the value of their currency eroded. Prying honey out of the hands of beekeepers in South America has become more difficult. Associated with the large bankruptcy in October, 2013, there remain beekeepers in Argentina who are still unpaid for 2013 honey. Caution and resolve pervade the producer communities. With real inflation in Argentina of 2.5%-3% per month, producers are holding their small stocks tightly even as prices rise. The dilemma of course is packers need something to sell and they cannot take a financial bath based upon the speculation of some importers who sold honey that was in no one’s hand, only their hope and imagination. While some speculate that an “impending de-valuation of the peso” will pry honey out of the hands of Argentine producers at low prices, we think that speculation will prove to be a fantasy. Initially, projection of Argentina’s 2013/2014 honey crop ranged from 70,000-75,000 metric tons (154-165,000,000 lbs.). The crop coming to an end as this report is written is estimated at closer to 50,000 metric tons (110,000,000 lbs.). From January to April, 2014, 22,000 metric tons (48,500,000 pounds) were shipped to the world. Due to a cold spring, the crop began late. During Argentina’s summer there were extreme temperatures and drought in the central states of Argentina which typically account for over 50% of the total crop. In late summer to early autumn, heavy rains and cool cloudy days occurred affecting the eucalyptus and Chilean Light Amber and Amber crops. From January to March, 2014, Argentina’s exports to the world totaled nearly $51,000,000 in value, with the USA as the major destination. That Indonesia was the 5th ranked Argentine honey export destination may be indicative of deeper realities than appear on the surface. Meterologists have indicated that they see signs (65% probability) of a new El Niño developing in the Pacific, as summer 2014 develops. If that comes to pass, it will undoubtedly have a significant impact upon the 2014/2015 crop. Brazil Brazil organic honey exports faced virtual force majeure conditions with extensive delays and non-shipments during the second half of 2013. That bitter experience, coupled with the drought of early 2014, has led to a frenzy to secure adequate supplies for the growing market for organic foods. Beekeeper prices, given heightened and pent up demand for some Brazilian honey, escalated from week to week, increasing by $.05/week. Brazilian Honey Exports, First Quarter 2014 Ukraine U.S. imports reached 2,474,068 pounds during January to March 2014. The geo-political drama in Ukraine, the major supplier of honey within Europe to the EU, has gripped the world’s attention. There do not seem to be any easy solutions without negative consequences. In 2011, total world exports from Ukraine were 9,874 metric tons (21,768,000 pounds). Ukraine has become a very important source of honey for Europe. This also means that European honey packers, fearful of both the consequence of continuing and deepening turmoil in the Ukraine, and both adulterated and ultrafiltered and “concocted” white Chinese honey, are turning to South America and doing so with a stronger Euro/US dollar ratio than many anticipated. While the World Beekeeping Congress was being held in October, 2013, in Kiev, Ukraine, the bankruptcy of October, 2013, was an Earthquake that revealed hidden fissures and hidden relations within the American and international honey industries. The aftershocks continue. Vietnam Vietnam honey imports in 2013 attained a level of 74,000,000 pounds in 2013. As of March, 2014, the US has imported 19,800,000 pounds from Vietnam. Vietnamese honey that was blended with Acacia mangium, a major floral source, was darkening very rapidly, leading to color problems. The Vietnamese honey industry is working to find effective ways to select and blend honey to meet quality parameters of their export markets, including greater color stability. Different tolerance levels for residues have made Europe an alternate destination for Vietnam. Vietnamese Light Amber honey is among the least expensive honeys in the international market. Vietnam has very diligently opposed circumvention of Chinese honey through Asian countries. The current geo-political tensions, conflicts and military skirmishes between Vietnam and China over offshore oil wells in territorial waters disputed by both Vietnam and China have attracted global concern. India Indian honey imports in 2013 reached about 57,000,000 pounds for the year. It is important to note that over 8,368,000 pounds of white honey were imported in 2013. Imports for 2014 have abruptly declined. There were offers floating for premium white Indian honey that may be available at $1.80/lb., far below the current price levels for US and Canadian white honey. Indian ELA and LA were quoted at $1.75/lb. and $1.65/lb., respectively. Honey Circumvention The problem of circumvention of Chinese honey to avoid anti-dumping duties has been dealt very serious blows and people and/or companies have been sent to jail, paid huge penalties, entered deferred prosecution agreements, been named as conspirators to circumvention, in class action lawsuits, etc. But the problem has not ceased, only the tactics have changed. In early May, honey producers from the AHPA went to Washington, D.C. and report as follows: “Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske recommitted U.S. Customs Border Patrol to …detect and eliminate the widespread, fraudulent circumvention of the antidumping duty order on honey imports from China, such as through the “Honeygate” prosecutions.” An AHPA member will serve as a representative of the U.S. honey industry on a private sector committee that advises the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement on international trade enforcement issues. No one in the honey industry, or the governments of important nations, rules out the emergence of new schemes of circumvention of Chinese honey, especially white honey through old or new points of transshipment. Circumvention through over 20 nations helped create both the past disorder and the current dilemmas. Reports of dark honey being exported to third countries to add color and pollen makes the enforcement of the integrity of country of origin labeling for raw and processed honey a continual concern and challenge. As the shortage of honey extends from white to darker grades, and the price differential among different colors diminishes, the possibility of circumvention of both Extra Light Amber and Light Amber cannot be ignored. It is also relevant to note that China is establishing Direct Outside Investment, buying factories, farms. Petroleum fields, banks and mines throughout the entire world. We cannot wisely assume circumvention has stopped for it is more likely that it is assuming new forms. Such forms involve blending honey from third countries to add color and pollen to “ultra-filtered” Chinese honey and rice syrup blends. For that reason it is important, as Prof. Vaughan Bryant points out, to establish a global data base of the pollen of the world’s honey supply. Tolerance Levels and Testing limits As we all know, bees are not invulnerable to diseases and honey, therefore, does not dwell in a mythical realm of ultra-purity. The need for reasonable and realistic tolerance levels and testing limits based upon ADI (average daily intake) levels is an issue about which I have written for a decade. We need to protect both human health and the health of honey bees since both are inter-related imperatives. We cannot hide behind the illusion that the lack of science based assessments of health risks and reasonable tolerance and testing limits is “your problem, not mine,” since they are our shared problems in our increasingly integrated, international honey industry. There are now plans to discuss this issue with the FDA and seek to achieve reasonable solutions where ignorance and silence previously prevailed. The context is more favorable. The concern with the abuse of antibiotics in modern animal husbandry has intensified with genetic mutations that have led to antibiotic resistant bacteria. This reflects both less than optimum conditions for raising poultry, pigs and cattle and using antibiotics not to protect animals from disease, but to promote rapid growth of animals. If the excessive use of antibiotics on these major sources of animal protein declines, there is no valid reason to impose extremely low levels or no testing or tolerance levels, for honey, whose per capita annual consumption is about 1.1 lbs./per capita! Can we recall the lively song from the musical Oklahoma: “Can’t the farmers and the ranchers just be friends?” We need the producers and packers, and the importers and exporters, to become more friendly. Both domestic and foreign honey will benefit from establishing and enforcing reasonable and realistic testing limits and tolerance levels. The international honey industry needs to encourage coordination among government to government regulatory agencies at point of export and import, producers and packers, exporters and importers, private and government laboratories, in order to achieve food safety, adequate supply and smoother flow of honey, and testing based upon science and authentic health risks. The National Honey Packers and Dealers Association is working to be part of this effort. Global Climate Change The March, 2014, UN reports on climate change have most dramatically and scientifically documented the rapid rising of global temperatures and the extent to which these are self-feeding processes which render their reality all the more serious. For example, as glaciers melt and the perma-frost retreats, light colors covering large swatches of the planet are replaced with darker colors, the former reflecting 95% of solar energy back into space and the latter absorbing solar energy and exacerbating warming processes. Similarly, the report released by NASA and the University of California, Irvine, in April 2014, indicating that “Global warming fuels loss of ice sheet in West Antarctic” bears great significance for the future of climate change and rising oceans. Once again the geo-physical processes concerned are self-feeding. The increased volatility, severity, frequency and unpredictability of global weather patterns pose serious and negative effects upon global agricultural production. Admiral David Titley has co-authored a report indicating that the geo-political strategic implications of climate change are becoming clearer year by year (“Climate Changes Deemed Growing Security Threat by Military Researchers,” New York Times, May 14, 2014). The National Climate Assessment, reported by Donald Wuebbles of the University of Illinois, released in May, 2014, stated: “We’re already seeing extreme weather and it’s happening now. We’re seeing more heat waves particularly in the West and in the South.” Conclusion Hopefully at some point these storms will pass and a more stable and vibrant honey market, based upon more creative marketing of honey, will be developed. Such a market will require 1) greater integrity without the masks of deceit that have clouded the international honey market for over a decade, and 2) creative marketing. The fundamental challenge will be how to both preserve and harmonize the incentive to produce honey with the incentive to consume honey. This effort will require the cooperative efforts of producers, packers, exporters and importers and working with governments to ensure integrity and a level playing field. Marketing Boards, like our National Honey Board, will continue to work with the industry to increase the perception among consumers of the romance, value, health benefits, quality and variety of these products which 1) arise from the interaction of bees and flowers, zoological and botanical life, and 2) play a vital role in producing the overall, diverse food supply needed to sustain and advance human civilization. CPNA International, Ltd. 1043 Oyster Bay Road East Norwich, NY 11732 Tel:  (516) 935-3880 Fax:  (516) 628-3959 e-mail:  info@cpnaglobal.com Report distributed May, 2014 Mr. Phipps is president and founder of CPNA International, Ltd. and is currently on the National Honey Board. He is an importer of honey, natural foods and tea from various international producers. Ron is also the former personal research assistant to the president of the American Philosophy Association. He is a recipient of the National Science Foundation fellowship for philosophy of theoretical physics. Mr. Phipps is a founding member of the Tea & Health Committee, which organized three major scientific symposiums on tea and health and the role of antioxidants in the prevention of disease.  He has worked with FDA to develop a research protocol for the global diversity of honey. Currently, Mr. Phipps is president of the Chamber Players International.