Californian zero-tolerance import regulations eased

In an attempt to improve the Californian almond pollination problem, a pilot programme is being introduced that will ease the inspection regime for bees entering California.

... beekeepers and government agencies developed a ... voluntary apiary certification program to attract more out-of-state beekeepers by minimizing time and complications with border inspections. With the new pilot program, out-of-state beekeepers would not be held for a secondary inspection once they reach their destination within the state. They would be able to unload into the orchards to allow the bees to get busy with pollination.

The inspections will now focus primarily on stopping the accidental importation of the red fire ant along with the beehives.