Insight for Sunday 3 May 2009

The honey bee is nature's little miracle worker. It not only produces sweet goodness but plays a vital role in pollinating plants vital to the agricutural sector.

But it's under siege all over the world, from an army of diseases, mystery disorders, toxic substances and farming practices.

In New Zealand, bee keepers are already struggling with the implications of the spreading varoa mite and are looking nervously at what the future may hold.

Rural reporter Kevin Ikin examines the threats to the honey bee and talks to New Zealand scientists who are searching for survival solutions.