Feed

5.9.13 At the end of the production season, hives must be left with reserves of honey and pollen sufficiently abundant to survive the winter.

5.9.14 The artificial feeding of colonies is authorised where the survival of the hives is endangered due to extreme climatic conditions. Artificial feeding shall be made with organically produced honey, preferably from the same organic-production unit.

5.9.15 NZFSA can authorise the use of organically produced sugar syrup, or organic sugar molasses instead of organically-produced honey in artificial feeding. In particular, when it is required by climatic conditions that provoke crystallisation of honey.

5.9.16 The following information shall be entered in the register of the apiaries with regard to the use of artificial feeding: Type of product, dates, quantities and hives where it is used.

5.9.17 Other products different from those indicated in paragraphs 5.9.13 to 5.9.17 cannot be  used in beekeeping, which complies with this Standard.

5.9.18 Artificial feeding may be carried out only between the last honey harvest and 15 days before the start of the next nectar or honeydew flow period.