The Buzz On Beeologics

What do Monsanto and honey bees have in common? Beeologics.

Beeologics, acquired by Monsanto a year ago, researches and is developing biological tools to provide targeted control of pests and diseases, including those that are related to honey bee health.

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Monsanto will use the base technology from Beeologics as a part of its continuing discovery and development pipeline. Both companies expect their combined research could provide farmers with novel approaches to the challenges they face.

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The beekeeping industry, while small, is a vital part of agriculture but often doesn’t receive the attention it merits. Not very many companies want to get involved in it as the research and investment can be expensive. But Monsanto believes Beeologics is going to be an important piece of the future for sustainable agriculture – something Monsanto is whole-heartedly devoted to.

“Monsanto knows that honey bees are a key component to successful sustainable agriculture globally,” said Jerry Hayes, Monsanto’s Beeologics Bee Health Lead. “They know that honey bees are responsible for one third of the food we eat. The acres of pollinator-dependent crops are the largest ever in the history of the world, and they’re growing along with population increases. Food is more than calories; it is nutrition. And with incomes increasing, there is more and more demand for fruits, nuts, vegetables and berries that enhance a diet nutritionally.”

Monsanto is committed to sustainable agriculture. That’s why they have chosen to use their time, talents and resources to contribute positively to honey bee health.

“Monsanto is the leader in the development of new technologies to safely, efficiently and cost-effectively control agriculture pests, predators and diseases,” said Hayes. “Honey bees are the key foundational pollinator of production agriculture, backyard gardens and the environment. Being able to work with the beekeeping industry on honey bee health issues is a tremendous challenge – but one we can address together.”

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