Dear Butterfly Breeders:

The International Butterfly Breeders Association (IBBA) incorporated on October 5, 1998. The specific purpose of the IBBA is to support the growth and development of the commercial butterfly farming industry through a variety of means including research, grower education, market development habitat conservation, and voluntary adherence to a code of ethics proscribing compassion, conservancy and integrity.

Since October of 1998, much has happened. Diligence and hard work have resulted in much progress and as a result, several committees have been formed and are actively working to facilitate the organizational goals of the Board. Those Committees are:

Membership Committee, Publications Committee, Political Action and Legislation Committee, Public Relations Committee, Education Committee, Scientific Research Committee, Events and Meetings Committee and the Bylaws Committee. The names of all committee members are posted on the IBBA website.

Before discussing other work in progress, it is of utmost importance to realize that the growth and even the survival of this industry is at a critical juncture. As a result of the ongoing butterfly release controversy and what it has created, it is imperative that we turn our united attention to this issue and strongly address it on an organizational level. The IBBA has been and will continue to supply very important facts to respond to ongoing media reports as provoked by those opposed to butterfly releases.

It is crucial that this focus be strong and cohesive. Therefore, we welcome you to join the membership and be a part of this united effort.

Work in progress includes many initiatives-which we feel are necessary in order to fulfill the mission and objectives of the IBBA. One very special project we are all proud of is the program On The Wings of Hope. Under this project, the IBBA Members can adopt a service organization in their community and during the month of August donate their time, livestock or both to provide seriously ill or at-risk children and their families the opportunity to encounter and learn about butterflies. To read about other works in progress, please refer to our website.

Considerations for the future:

1) Negotiating as a group, for competitive rates in a number of areas is being discussed. This could include some or all of the following: discounted shipping rates, insurance against late or lost deliveries, liability insurance, public and contents insurance, group medical insurance, group purchase discounts, etc. Work is needed in this area.

2) The concept of group marketing is under consideration. For example, we could place an IBBA ad in a major magazine and include a list of Members and/or E-mail addresses, etc. National exposure would become more affordable.

3) A breeder-to-customer link is something to think about.

4) Creation of an IBBA newsletter could be valuable. This could serve as a communication and educational tool among breeders as well as a forum for breeders. This would benefit non-commercial breeders as well.

5) A FAQ area, where information can be stored and/or printed out, might be maintained in order to facilitate responses to those who speak against the use of butterflies in commerce.

6) There is work in progress in an effort to obtain USDA approval for additional butterfly species for release purposes. Again, more work is needed in this area.

In light of the current controversy, we cannot afford to be isolated in our efforts. We need help from all of you. We will all benefit from this. There is strength in numbers.

Please join the IBBA by filling out the membership form HERE and follow the instructions for payment.

Thank you.
Rick Mikula
Membership Committee

March 2000