Bayer and Bees

Bayer and Bees. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Fruit Grower Report.

You know it’s interesting that something so small can have a dramatic impact. Dick Rogers, Manager of the new Bayer Bee Care Center in North Carolina says that Bayer has taken an active role in studying bees.

ROGERS: For 25 years - over 25 years they’ve been developing products that beekeepers can use to control varroa mites for example. And they’re also looking for other tools and techniques and products that can help beekeepers as well. So the center is really a way to bring together bee activities from different Bayer companies

Rogers says the new Bee Center will bring together all of Bayer’s various efforts.

ROGERS: It’s led to some new techniques. One example is our wax purification technology which is a process for cleaning residues of kumafoss, which is a varroa mite control product, out of bees wax. When they recycle that product they can have clean wax back in their hives.

He says they hope to reach out to stakeholders in the industry.

ROGERS: We’ll be looking for ideas and support and partners in that effort. We’ll also be doing a lot of educational programs. This will include tours of the Center to see what we’re doing as far as testing products and we’ll also be going into schools and guest speak at bee clubs both local and national and international.

That’s today’s Fruit Grower Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.