Boortmalt, the world’s leading malting company, is announcing the launch of an innovative application that empowers beekeepers and farmers to collaborate in safeguarding the well-being of bees during treatment periods in agricultural fields. This novel solution will help enhance the life cycle of bees by ensuring their safety when farming activities require the use of certain treatments.
The BEE SAFE app allows beekeepers to geolocate their hives, providing real-time data on their precise locations. Through the application, farmers can access this information and inform nearby beekeepers about upcoming treatment periods in their fields. This valuable exchange of information enables beekeepers to take necessary precautions such as temporarily closing their hives, thus safeguarding the well-being of their bees.
Launching the app, Tom Bryan, Boortmalt’s Regional Agronomy Manager UK and Ireland, said: “Bees play a vital role in pollinating crops, contributing to food security, and biodiversity. Recognising the critical importance of protecting bee populations, Boortmalt developed the BEE SAFE app to enable beekeepers and farmers share information. By sharing information and promoting collaboration, we can contribute to the preservation of these vital pollinators and ensure the sustainability of our food systems”.
Louis Bolger, Chairman of the Kildare Bee Keepers Association, welcomed the new app: “Bees are part of the biodiversity on which we all depend for our survival. However, bee populations have been declining globally over recent decades due to several factors including the use of pesticides. I welcome the BEE SAFE app which will make a real difference to the preservation of these vital pollinators. I would like to thank Boortmalt for launching this initiative and call on other agri-bodies to follow Boortmalt’s lead and play their part in protecting all pollinators and their habitats”.
Boortmalt has a strong vision on sustainability and in line with this the group promote the continuous improvement of farming methodologies through local sourcing programs that are environmentally sound and beneficial to local communities. Boortmalt’s commitment to sustainability and responsible agricultural practices is further exemplified by its efforts to support bee health. By leveraging technology and facilitating collaboration, the company is driving positive change in the agriculture sector and promoting a more bee-friendly environment.