Origin of the bees

5.9.5 In the choice of breeds, account must be taken of the capacity of animals to adapt to local conditions, their vitality and their resistance to disease. Preference shall be given to the use of European breeds of Apis mellifera and their local ecotypes.

5.9.6 Apiaries must be constituted by means of the division of colonies or the acquisition of swarms or hives from units complying with the provisions laid down in this Standard.

5.9.7 Subject to the prior approval by AsureQuality, apiaries existing in the production unit not complying with the rules of this Standard can be converted. 

5.9.9 The reconstitution of the apiaries shall be authorised by NZFSA, when apiaries complying with this Standard are not available, in case of a high mortality of animals caused by health or catastrophic circumstances, subject to the conversion period.

5.9.10 For the renovation of the apiaries 10% per year of the queen bees and swarms not complying with this Standard can be incorporated into the organic-production unit provided that the queen bees and swarms are placed in hives with combs or comb foundations coming from organic-production units. In this case, the conversion period in 5.9.4 will apply.