Grain Guide 2018

9 7 Protect pollinators this way  Time conscious Avoid spraying when bees are foraging and plants are flowering.  Protect liquid assets Avoid contamination from spray liquids by being cautious when mixing and loading, properly disposing waste and other used materials, and cleaning up any spills appropriately.  Empower with flowers Protect pollinator habitats by supplying a constant source of nectar and pollen and creating healthy, diverse gardens that beautify the environment and serve as a food source.  Communicate Communicate at the farm gate and educate producers on when and how to use crop protection products. Farmers should inform local beekeepers when they are going to apply crop protection products so nearby hives can be moved or otherwise protected.    ‘Bee’ responsible Beekeepers also need to follow good management practices with good hygiene, disease control, proper feeding, access to water, genetic diversity and moving hives out of areas to be sprayed. Reference: CropLife Africa Middle East. Pollinator Protection Vital to Crop Production (pamphlet) 1 3 5 8 2 4 10 6  Consult labels Follow crop protection product instructions, including using the recommended dose, preventing drift of sprays and dusts (e.g. in cocoa plants), not applying in windy conditions or when there is a danger of drift to non-target areas.  ‘Bee’ genuine Only use genuine crop protection products. Counterfeit and illegal products have un­ known impacts and could potentially harm humans, animals and the environment. Spare spray Apply crop protection products within an Integrated Pest Management programme, only using them when necessary. For sprays, consider spot-spraying (just ap­ plying to infested areas). In places where there are Spray Service Providers, consider using their services.  Bust the dust Minimise distribution of dust from treated seed by carefully pouring it out of bags, avoiding seed spillage (cleaning it up otherwise), disposing of seed bags and unused seed properly, and regularly cleaning seed equipment.  Use clean machinery In cases where planting machines are utilised, choose those that eliminate or minimise dust production and ensure they are regularly cleaned. 12 GRAIN GUIDE 2018 Relevant