BEEKEPERS from Suffolk are to march on Parliament demanding a “health package” to save the bee population from a predator threatening its existence.They will warn food production is under threat if a financial package is not put in place for vital research to ensure the long-term survival of bees.

BEEKEPERS from Suffolk are to march on Parliament demanding a “health package” to save the bee population from a predator threatening its existence.

They will warn food production is under threat if a financial package is not put in place for vital research to ensure the long-term survival of bees.

Next Wednesday donning their whites and smokers, protestors from the county will join thousands of keepers to highlight the need for action to protect the animal in the face of a deadly mite.

Laurie Wiseman, chairman of the Suffolk branch of the British Beekeepers' Association, said he had nearly half of his colonies wiped out last winter due to the Varroa mite.

He said: “We are very worried about the bees. The Varroa mite has been about for more than ten years and when it first entered the country scientists came up with a treatment but over the last two or three years it has become resistant to this treatment and we are struggling to find alternatives.

“We really need to get some research so we can develop some more effective treatments.”

The price of honey will continue to rise if action is not taken and food production in other sectors will also suffer with fewer bees to pollinate crops, he warned.