Almond Board of California is celebrating its community by running occasional features on farmers, processors, and others who support the industry, highlighting their commitment to sustainability.1
Internationally known honey bee guru Eric Mussen was recognized in January at the 75th annual American Beekeeping Federation's conference in Reno, receiving the 2018 Founders' Award from the Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees.
Eric is considered by his peers to be one of the most respected and influential professional apiculturists (beekeepers) in the nation. He has his “pulse on the bee industry” and is known as "the go-to person" for consumers, scientists, researchers, students, and the news media.
We’re proud that Eric has been a partner with Almond Board of California (ABC) and helped us work on our Honey Bee Best Management Practices (BMPs). With the BMPs, Eric said that ABC is “responding strongly on honey bee health and, in particular, pesticide use and considerations during bloom.” He went on to say that the BMPs “go far beyond the almond orchard, providing important insights for all crops when it comes to promoting honey bee health."
This Founders’ Award from Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees is only one of the numerous state and national awards he has been given, including a service award from ABC, describing him as being an “authoritative and trusted source for guidance on research, technical, and practical problem solving and issues facing both industries.”
He even has an award named after him! The California State Beekeepers' Association and the Western Apicultural Society created an “Eric Mussen Honorary Award” to present to its outstanding members.
Eric retired in 2014 but continues to support the beekeeping community by sharing his knowledge and expertise.
"I am basically all pro-bee; whatever I can do for bees, I do it,” Eric told the American Bee Journal in 2011. “It doesn't matter whether there is one hive in the backyard or 15,000 colonies. Bees are bees, and the bees' needs are the bees' needs.”
We’re proud to have Eric in our corner! To learn more about the Bee BMPs and how the almond community protects bees in our orchards and beyond, visit: Almonds.com/Bees.
1 California Almond Sustainability Program definition: Sustainable almond farming utilizes production practices that are economically viable and are based upon scientific research, common sense and a respect for the environment, neighbors and employees. The result is a plentiful, nutritious, safe food product.
