Iowa’s bees have been in the news lately, but often the reports are alarming. Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), where whole hives of bees just disappear has been reported across the county and around the world.
That’s unfortunate, because bees are vital to our state’s agricultural productivity. They help pollinate our crops and as a result the estimated economic impact of honey bee pollination in Iowa is $92 million annually.
So, keeping our honey bees healthy is vital to the state’s economy and the health of our ecosystems.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship recently published an updated “Bee Rule” that is designed to better protect the health of the 30,000 colonies of bees that are located across the state.
The updated rule limits the application of insecticides labeled as dangerous to bees in areas near registered apiaries around the active foraging hours of honeybees. The applications must occur prior to 8:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. These times are designed to prevent application directly to foraging bees and also allows chemicals to settle and dry onto plant surfaces outside the primary hours of active bee foraging.
As a result, it is vital that all the apiaries in the state register with the Sensitive Crops Directory so that pesticide applicators have the most up-to-date information possible. In effort to keep the directory as accurate as possible, the information will be purged every year on December 31st, so it is vital that those on the directory re-enter their information every year to remain active.
The new “Bee Rule” came from meetings held by Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship officials, Iowa Honey Producers Association board members, pesticide applicators, Iowa State University experts and beekeepers.
The previous “Bee Rule” had been in place since 1979, but it has become outdated. Recently the Administrative Rules Review formally invalidated the old rule on the grounds the Department lacked that statutory authority to implement it. This action made enforcement of the old rule impossible.
The State Apiarist, Andy Joseph, has been central to the development of the new rule and is a great resource for those interested in learning more about the bee industry in the state or who have questions about the new bee rule. Those with questions can contact him at Andrew.Joseph@IowaAgriculture.gov.
It’s also important to highlight that pesticide drift is not allowed by any applicator and this rule is designed to give an additional layer of protection to the vitally important bees of the state. If you have of any reports of pesticide drift, please contact the Department’s Pesticide Bureau at 515-281-8591 with information about non-compliance with the rule.
It’s vital that we keep Iowa a leader in all types of agriculture and this new rule is designed to help make sure that happens.
Bill Northey is serving his first term as Secretary of Agriculture. Northey is a fourth-generation corn and soybean farmer from Spirit Lake, Iowa. His priorities as Secretary of Agriculture are expanding opportunities in renewable energy, encouraging conservation and stewardship, and telling the story of Iowa agriculture. To learn more visit www.IowaAgriculture.gov.
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