Replacement bees (eg package bees or nucleus colonies) may be from organic sources or from non organic sources provided that replacement bees are managed in accordance with this standard for at least 60 days before the removal of organic apiculture products from the hive.

Honey and other apiculture products shall not be labeled or marketed as organic unless the bees were managed in accordance with this standard for at least 60 days.

Organic honey shall be the major foodstuff for adult bees:-

• The feeding of colonies can be undertaken to overcome temporary feed shortages owing to climatic or other exceptional circumstances.
• In such cases, organically produced honey or sugars shall be used if commercially available. If unavailable, the certification body may permit the use of non-organically produced honey or sugars for a specified time limit.