Bee-keepers want more money to be spent on research into the threats facing honey bees.
Apiarists in East Sussex said 20 per cent of their colonies were killed over the winter and if the trend continued it would have a big impact on farming.
They want the government to spend up to £8 million over five years to look at the mites and viruses that can kill bees.
The British Beekeepers Association (BBKA) has backed calls for more money to be spent on bee health research.
Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Lord Rooker said the Government would consider the proposals once it received a business-plan report.
He added: "It is completely out of the question to say we've got a problem with bees and Defra must spend £8 million."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article