Bayer’s CARE program for crops and bees focuses on bee health

Growers and beekeepers are coming together to collaborate on the health of the bee population through a program from Bayer called CARE, which educates the groups about the importance of working together to protect the pollinators.

CARE stands for communicate planting activities to neighboring beekeepers when practical and be aware of beehives adjacent to the planting area; be aware of wind speed and direction during planting, particularly in areas with flowering crops; reduce risk to pollinators by using Fluency Agent, a planter seed lubricant for corn and soybeans; and ensure seed is planted correctly. To help protect the environment, the program advises growers to clean planters and seed boxes in a way to minimize dust release and ensure treated seed is planted at the proper depth.

Since the creation of CARE in 2012, growers and beekeepers have made the effort to maintain communication and growers have used technology like Fluency Agent to minimize dust from treated seeds.

“Collaborating with beekeepers is just one of the ways today’s growers are minimizing their impact on the environment,” Kerry Grossweiler, Bayer SeedGrowth product manager, said. “Growers recognize the importance of following label instructions, adhering to best management practices and utilizing Integrated Pest Management programs, making agriculture more sustainable now than ever before.”

The CARE program is part of a larger effort by Bayer to educate about the importance of bees; two other programs include The Bayer Bee Care Program and the Feed a Bee Initiative.