Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
January 7, 2014

Bayer CropScience is starting the New Year off with a buzz by engaging in industry events with beekeepers, growers and researchers across the country. Through these events, the Company hopes to enhance understanding of bee health and increase awareness around the significant role pollinators play in sustainable agriculture.

The Bayer Bee Care Program is participating in several events focusing on the importance of bee health this month, including the North American Beekeeping Conference and Tradeshow (ABF) in Baton Rouge, La.; the American Honey Producers Association’s 45th Annual Convention (AHPA) in San Antonio, Texas; the American Beekeeping Research Conference (ABRC) in San Antonio, Texas; the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference in Savannah, Ga,; and the Beltwide Cotton Conferences in New Orleans, La.

At each event, Bayer will further communication around bee health though various initiatives, including: 

• Discussion on the complex issues affecting bee health by Dick Rogers, Bayer’s bee expert, during the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference;
• Exhibits and information on the vital role honey bees play in agriculture and our food supply at ABF;
• Presentation by Iain Kelly, Bee Health product and safety manager, on “Bees and the Crop Protection Industry: Our Common Interests,” during AHPA; and
• Dissemination of materials and engagement with stakeholders to promote best stewardship practices among growers at the Beltwide Cotton Conferences.

Bayer has been actively involved in finding solutions to improve honey bee health for more than 25 years. Its Bee Care Program is committed to initiatives designed to advance bee health research, engagement and discussion and bring Bayer’s extensive experience and knowledge in bee health under one platform. As part of that commitment, Bayer participated in more than 100 events throughout 2013 to help improve bee health awareness – from scientific research symposiums to farm tradeshow demonstrations, including the following activities:

• Broke ground on a new North American Bee Care Center, a state-of-the-art facility to advance honey bee research, education and collaboration, which opens in 2014 at Bayer’s Research Triangle Park, N.C. headquarters;
• Opened a new Bee Care Field Research Facility in Clayton, N.C., to support the research apiary and work in tandem with broad honey bee health initiatives;
• Traveled more than 2,000 miles and interacted with more than 2,300 individuals in its Bee Care Tour, a mobile exhibit which visited six Midwestern universities to foster education and collaboration on bee health;
• Trained more than 300 employees as Bee Ambassadors, a field staff training campaign dedicated to cultivating dialogue and awareness around topics related to honey bee management and health; and
• Hosted employee, community and Congressional events to increase awareness of pollinator health, as part of National Pollinator Week, including the planting of a bee-friendly garden near Bayer’s Kansas City facility and the establishment of the inaugural Bayer Bee Care Community Leadership Award.

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.

Website: http://www.bayercropscience.us

Published: January 8, 2014