Early planning for pollination of fruit crops can help to ensure that you have the right number of quality honey bee colonies delivered to your farm at the right time for peak crop bloom. Oftentimes, growers will work with beekeepers to plan for hive rentals using informal “handshake” agreements, however these types of informal agreements can cause miscommunication and lead to problems with bee health or inadequate pollination. One way to avoid miscommunication with your beekeeper is to develop a formal pollination contract. While a handshake may seem like a more friendly way to do business, a contract can clarify expectations and lead to a long-lasting business relationship that benefits both fruit growers and beekeepers.
Pollination service contracts can cover specific topics relevant to pollination during spring bloom such as:
Rental fee and date payable Dates when bees should be moved in and out of crop Hive placement and vehicle accessibility Strength of colonies and if/how they will be inspected Pesticide application standards and agreements Availability of uncontaminated water sources for bees Potential injury (bee stings) Colony loss by vandalism, theft, or natural disaster Proper contact information and modes of communication View examples of pollination service contracts.
Once the bees have arrived on site for pollination, it is important to protect your investment in bee colonies and optimize your crop pollination potential by minimizing health risks to bees while on your farm.
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Categories: Michigan, Business, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables