Where Bees Rest and Work Continues
As daylight fades in a California almond orchard, the work does not stop. It just shifts. And those hours matter, not only for the crop, but for the people and pollinators that make almond production possible.
Bees and other pollinators play a critical role in our food production system. According to the USDA, more than 100 U.S. grown crops rely on pollinators, adding an estimated $18 billion in value each year. Honey bees are America’s primary commercial pollinator, and as bloom approaches, almond growers take their protection seriously. One key practice recommended by the Almond Board of California is scheduling crop protection applications during evening or nighttime hours, when bees are back in their hives.
So what does that look like in action?
It means turning the spotlight on worker safety. California’s nighttime agricultural standards require proper lighting across orchard floors, walkways, and restroom access. Tractors, trucks, and other self propelled equipment must be equipped with headlights and rear lights that illuminate at least 50 feet ahead and behind. The result is a safer workplace after dark, protecting people while continuing to protect the bees that keep orchards thriving.
