Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1099801
6 GROWER-BEEKEEPER COMMUNICATION PRIOR TO ALMOND BLOOM Communication is the first step toward a successful almond pollination season as it ensures expectations between the beekeeper and grower are fully understood. Growers should contact beekeepers as early as possible before the pollination season to discuss their requirements and expectations. Growers who do not have an established relationship with a beekeeper can refer to ABC's pollination directory at Almonds.com/PollinationDirectory for a database that includes both beekeepers and bee brokers. Growers and beekeepers should outline and mutually agree on their expectations for each other to avoid misunderstandings. Communication on pesticide use during bloom, for instance, should be a fundamental conversation, and could involve outlining a pesticide plan that specifies which pest control materials might be used. The grower and beekeeper should agree on which products can be applied if a treatment is deemed necessary. Before bloom, when applications are imminent, it's important to establish a line of open communication between all who are involved in pollinating almonds and/or applying pesticides to For successful pollination and safeguarding of honey bees, growers should contact beekeepers early and create an agreement that outlines the expectations of both parties. Beyond pesticide applications, growers and beekeepers should agree upon each other's responsibilities in these areas prior to bloom: Growers and beekeepers can access a sample template of an almond pollination agreement at ProjectApism.org under the Resources tab in the section titled, "Best Management Practices for Almond Growers." THE NUMBER OF FRAMES of honey bees, including an average and minimum frame count. DATE AND LOCATION of hive placement in the orchard. AMBIENT TEMPERATURE and time of day at the inspection site in the field. PAYMENT TERMS, including the deposit, progress payment and final payment. ACCESSIBILITY of colonies to beekeeper. WHEN BEES ARE REMOVED from the orchard. orchards so that each party in the communication chain is informed in advance of this busy season. By registering hives and providing their locations electronically with the county agricultural commissioner through the Bee Where program, found at BeeWhereCalifornia.com, beekeepers can request an advance notice of pesticide applications labeled as "toxic to bees" within a 1-mile radius of the colonies. This advance warning is mandatory for pesticide products with "toxic to bees" label statements and recommended for all other applications, particularly during almond bloom.