Fruit Bites June 22-24 Pollinator Week

BL: Welcome back to another “Fruit Bites” brought to you by Valent U.S.A. Back with us again is Valent’s Allison Walston. And this week Allison, we are talking about National Pollinator Week!

AW: This entire week to celebrate bees, butterflies, beetles, birds and even bats. Yes, more than just honeybees pollinate and each of these critters are valued members of the pollinating ecosystem.

BL: what does Valent do to protect pollinators?

AW: We support and participate in science-based initiatives to protect our pollinators. We test our products for any impacts on bee health, especially the insecticides. Each undergo an EPA tiered approach starting with contact toxicity to adult honeybees and exposure to residues. If tier 1 shows impacts, then tier 2 includes adult & larval short & long-term feeding studies. If more impacts, then tier 3 evaluates field trials measuring chemical residues in pollen and nectar. Results dictate specific label recommendations for pollinator protection.

BL: Well, thanks Allison. Join us again next time for Fruit Bites, brought to you by Valent. Until then, I’m Bob Larson.