Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
April 19, 2013
Bayer CropScience experts participated in several activities today in Washington, D.C., to promote greater bee health awareness and collaboration in agriculture. At the annual CropLife America / RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) Spring Conference, Bayer apiologist, Dick Rogers, contributed to a panel discussion focusing on the relationship between pesticides and pollinator health. Representatives of the Almond Board, honey producers and the European Food Safety Authority also participated on the panel.
“Apiculture and other forms of agriculture can, and must, co-exist,” said Rogers. “Honey bee health can be improved if we work together and address the real problems.” Since the mid-1980s, commercial beekeepers have had to contend with the devastating impact of the invasive parasitic Varroa mite and the increased demand for pollination services, which has created increased nutritional and management challenges. As part of his presentation, Rogers showed what farmers, beekeepers and manufacturers like Bayer CropScience are doing to promote bee health.
In a separate meeting, Dr. Iain Kelly, Bayer’s Bee Health Issue Manager, met with staff members of the United States Senate Agriculture Committee to discuss how honey bees and crop protection products can co-exist for the benefit of sustainable agriculture. Stressing a theme of awareness and cooperation, Dr. Kelly noted, “The solution to greater bee health consists of many parts and many stakeholders. Bayer CropScience is committed to do its part through the continued development of innovative tools and treatments.”
Senate Agriculture Committee Panel Discussion on Honey Bee HealthBayer CropScience Bee Health Issues Manager, Dr. Iain Kelly, speaks to staff members of the United States Senate Agriculture Committee about the importance of honey bees to our agriculture and Bayer’s commitment to honey bee health.
For more than 25 years, Bayer has been actively involved in finding solutions to improve honey bee health. Last month, the company announced plans for conducting large-scale field studies this spring to evaluate its new seed application technology, which is designed to reduce potential dust exposure to honey bees. In 2013, Bayer plans to complete a North American Bee Care Center, which will serve as a gathering place for researchers, bee experts, students and other visitors to meet regularly with leading Bayer scientists on issues involving bee health.
Bayer is dedicated to crop protection and is committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable agricultural practices, including the protection of beneficial insects such as honey bees. For additional information and background on other sustainability initiatives please visit http://www.bayercropscience.us/our-commitment/bayer-initiatives.
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