Mississippi farmers, beekeepers and applicators (including
the Mississippi Agricultural Aviation Association) are working together to
protect the state’s pollinators through the development of a voluntary Bee
Stewardship Program. One of the programs components includes a yellow and black
“Bee Aware” flagging system that identifies hive locations near fields.
The flag was conceived and developed by the Mississippi Farm
Bureau Federation and are currently being printed for distribution.
Mississippi beekeepers can attach the flags to
poles placed on hives to allow applicators to easily identify these mobile
hives from the air and ground.
The primary goal of the stewardship program’s flagging
system is for the flag to serve as a constant reminder that bees are in the
vicinity and care should be taken with pesticide applications. The group suggests
that beekeepers should work with the farmer to select the best area near the
hive to place the bee flag so that it is visible by both the ground and aerial applicator.
Representatives from Mississippi indicated that they are sharing information with the EPA with the hopes of making the Bee Stewardship Program a national program. Additional details about the Bee Stewardship Program can be
found on Mississippi State University’s website.
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