Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 68 Page 69 Page 70 Page 71 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 77 Page 78 Page 79 Page 80 Page 81 Page 82 Page 83 Page 84OCTOBER 2016 SEEDWORLD.COM / 25 Perfectingagriculturalpracticeswhilemanagingenvironmentalimpactsis key.Seedtreatmentsplayanimportantrole.operationpollinator.com TIP “This was really the start of the conver- sation for us in asking how we could help,” Restucci says. “We already had a commit- ment to increasing biodiversity and not farming in a monoculture as part of our basic stewardship principles. Maintaining pollinator habitats allowed us to take that to the next level.” The company also planted more than 150,000 trees, which creates additional habitat and prevents erosion, adding to the overall environmental health. Restucci says one important step in the process is communicating with consumers. “We’ve had a lot of interest from people just driving by, because these plots are immediately recognizable as something new and different. There were a lot of questions from people who didn’t understand what we were trying to do, asking why we were changing grassy areas and how this would help the bees,” he says. Signage can help answer some of those questions, but creating a dialogue with consumers and passersby is just another way to expand the impact. “Some people were skeptical at first, but we’ve seen more interest in planting wildflowers near walkways, or in areas near roads or hospitals. It’s been great to see these efforts expand even outside the plots we planted as the program contin- ues to grow,” Restucci says. Talking about the finances is also impor- tant within the industry as we look for sus- tainable solutions that can be implemented by farmers across the country. Restucci says habitat creation was extremely afford- able, thanks to seeds provided through the Operation Pollinator program. “It ended up costing us only about $7 an acre to establish the habitats,” he says. Of course, the value of the project is worth far more. “These plots are teeming with wildflow- ers and insects and bees. It’s been a huge success. Plus, the dialogue we’ve created has allowed us to exchange information with members of the local community. Efforts such as these are crucial in cre- ating the symbiotic relationship we need to coexist in this world,” Restucci says. Continue the Dialogue The conversation doesn’t stop at simply creating habitat plots. It’s important to continue working to evaluate and improve those efforts. “Once you have created a habitat, its function as refuge for pollinators can be evaluated and should be protected. Linking up these biodiversity-rich areas can create inter-connected functional habitats and wider opportunities for con- servation,” De Vivo says. R.D. Offutt Company works to fur- ther research and support their habitat program in a variety of ways, including working with Pheasants Forever and the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. “We’ve created an advisory team to help us look at the land and optimize the habitats for the bees,” says Anne Struthers, director of communications for R.D. Offutt Company. As they move forward, Restucci is also aware that the industry has begun to truly embrace a focus on pollinator health. Before, beekeepers were sort of outsiders in the agriculture world, but he believes that’s changing. “Some farmers even viewed beekeep- ers more as a vendor, offering a service to those crops that needed pollination, but now, it’s seen more as a partnership,” he says. “We’re learning ways to better work together.” De Vivo adds: “Taking the first step to connect to the local beekeeping commu- nity and provide clear information about the position of hives and timing of farming activities is important.” For example, that single conversation might lead to a big impact decision, such as reducing potential pesticide exposure by scheduling applications later in the day when the bees are back in their hives. It’s not too late for true coexistence, but now is the time to start talking about real solutions. “If we don’t start bridging the gap, we’ll continue to create a divide,” Restucci says. “An ‘us versus them’ mentality is not a healthy relationship when we’re trying to have the conversations that will bring about change DeVivo agrees. “Ideally, the entire agricultural commu- nity should be working together, talking to each other about their activities, working to improve the world together,” he says. “Our hard work is dependent on engag- ing stakeholders to stimulate dialogue and explore simple and pragmatic environmen- tal solutions. “This is what we strive to achieve with our Good Growth Plan, Syngenta’s com- mitment to help farmers meet agricultural challenges sustainably.” SW Vince Restucci, director of procurement and business technology for the farm division of Minnesota potato operation R.D. Offutt Company, believes a positive dialogue has begun in regard to coexistence of farmers and beekeepers.