A campaign to help ensure bees can safety pollinate food crops has been launched by Agcarm and Apiculture New Zealand.

The campaign highlights the need for farmers and beekeepers to work together to manage the use of agrichemicals near hives.

Bees are important for the pollination of food crops.

As party of the programme a flyer and poster have been produced on how to protect bees from unintended exposure to agrichemicals as well as tips on reducing risks to bees.

'Bees are extremely good pollinators of crops, so contribute substantially to New Zealand's multi-billion dollar agricultural economy,” says Agcarm chief executive Mark Ross.

'Agrichemicals are also vital for ensuring the security of our food supply, especially as we are coined ‘the farmer's market of the world.' When these products are used responsibly they pose no threat to our bee population.”

The numbers of beekeepers and hives, particularly in the hobbyist/non-commercial sector have been increasing over the past couple of years, says Apiculture New Zealand chief executive Daniel Paul.

'NZ's bee populations contribute about $5 billion to our economy annually and they support about one-third of everything we eat.”

Marks says the biggest threat to the bee population in New Zealand - and in large parts of the world – has been due to the parasitic varroa mite.

'The mite decimated bee numbers in the five years after it was first detected here in 2000. Bee numbers have more than doubled since then - mainly due to effective agrichemical controls for managing the mite.

'It's important we remain vigilant and address any potential risks to our bees. We need to work together to ensure the co-existence of two of New Zealand's most important industries.”

Rural retailers are backing the bee safety message. Agcarm distributor members across New Zealand will display posters and distribute flyers with practical tips about being responsible.

The campaign is being promoted during September to coincide with Bee Aware Month as well as the peak sale of agrichemicals and will appear in rural retailer stores such as Farmlands and Ashburton Trading Society.

'Although the message is always relevant,” says Mark.

'The health of bees and the environment is a key driver for our member organisations. This demonstrates their commitment to that.

'It's also important for manufacturers' of agrichemicals to have clear label statements regarding safety precautions for their products including describing how to protect our pollinators – like our members do.”