As the world’s native bee populations are declining, crop production requiring pollinators increasingly relies on commercial pollination services. In the United States, the beekeeping industry is in great demand, and truckloads of bee colonies travel the country to accommodate crop growers. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign looks at pollination contracts between beekeepers and California almond growers, exploring clauses that could make the agreements more appealing for both parties.
Honey bees in demand
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Brittney Goodrich holds a beehive frame.
A bee pollinates an almond blossom.
Beehives are prepped in an almond orchard.
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