Aussie Almond Producer Planting Canola to Support Bees

Australian almond producer, Select Harvests, is planting canola to serve as an additional food source for the bees pollinating their orchards.

Research indicates that increasing diversity by providing an alternative food source in addition to the main crop nectar for pollinating bees improves the bees’ overall health.

The practice of planting canola as a viable alternative has proven beneficial in California orchards over the past two seasons, but this is the first time that Select Harvests is planting canola. Producers hope that it will be a win-win development for both better pollination of the almond trees, and the better health and longevity of the bees.