b'PROTECTING POLLINATORS This series is sponsored by Operation Pollinator,a Syngenta global initiative.BEE A GOOD NEIGHBORCommunication is a key step toward pollinator stewardship. Melissa Shipman melissanshipman@gmail.comIF GOOD FENCESmake good neighbors, then communication makes great neighbors, and even better stewards.Commercial beekeepers often manage hundreds of hives, but even backyard beekeepers with only a handful of colonies are important when consider-ing the necessary communication that is essential for being a good neighbor.Tammy Potter, Kentucky State Apiarist, says communication is the cheapest way for a beekeeper to reduce losses. There are many factors to consider inFieldWatch helps create connections between applicators, farmers and beekeepers to hive mortality, but in cases where irre- ensure sustainability throughout the planting process. sponsible chemical use may be a factor, communication is certainly the best waycan certainly minimize any potential risksbiggest barriers continues to be aware-to prevent that, she says.for pollinators.ness, though they are always working to improve this. Another barrier can be Pollinator Protection Plans Creating Connections technology. Most states now have Managed PollinatorDespite good intentions, there are oftenOur tool is based on email, and there Protection Plans (MP3s) aimed at encour- challenges that can make communica- are still some of our users in rural America aging communication and collaboration. tion difficult.without easy access to technology, Walters MP3s provide best practices and areFieldWatch is one program that helpssays. But we work with them to ensure specific to each state and were collabora- create the necessary connections betweenthey can get access to the information. tively developed by state agencies, bee- applicators, farmers and beekeepers.On the other side, Walters also sees keepers, growers and other stakeholderThe program allows beekeepers totechnology as one of the biggest benefits groups. Many companies are working toadd the exact locations of their hives,to their system. support these efforts as well.and specialty crop growers can desig- Our data can be exported directly to Both parties need to be workingnate fields as conventional, organic andthe applicator-system and layered on over together on this. It starts with a conversa- certified organic. Bob Walters, directorthe applicator maps to make it very easy tion and leads to better stewardship, saysof business development for FieldWatch,for them to use GPS systems, he says. Caydee Savinelli, integrated pest manage- has seen more interest in their programsWhile FieldWatch has been very suc-ment and pollinator stewardship lead atfrom outside the agricultural industry ascessful in many states across the country, Syngenta. well, from counties and states that sprayother states have chosen to create their The BeSure! campaign is the founda- for mosquitoes, as well as vegetationown programs. Potter says Kentucky tion of what we are doing when it comesmanagement organizations.launched their own app in 2017 and cur-to seed stewardship, and it includes aWhen we are a good neighbor, wererently has about 500 people registered. focus on being a good neighbor, Savinellia good steward, Walter says. EverybodyI think the DriftWatch Specialty Crop says. Its starting off with clean seeds,has to work together in order for this toSite registry and FieldWatch system using proper fluency agents, notifyingbe successful.has many positives, but since our state beekeepers, covering up seed spills, andStephanie Regagnon, president anddoesnt have mandatory registration, more. If they follow these practices, theyCEO of FieldWatch, says one of theirone benefit we saw of creating our own 48/ SEEDWORLD.COMJANUARY 2020'