Hazera, a global vegetable seed company within the Limagrain Group, and BeeHero, a provider of data-driven pollination technology, have announced a collaboration to evaluate BeeHero's Pollination Insights Platform (PIP). The platform aims to provide farmers with detailed information about pollination activity in seed production fields worldwide.
The collaboration builds on several years of joint efforts, including trials of the PIP system in various seed fields since 2019. Hazera's Production Research Manager, Avi Gabai, emphasized the importance of addressing challenges in modern agriculture, including pollination efficiency, hive quality, and the loss of bee colonies.
Pollination is critical for agriculture and seed production, directly impacting crop yield and quality. Around 75% of major food crops rely on pollinators, with honeybees playing a vital role. However, challenges such as declining bee populations and hive strength have made improving pollination efficiency increasingly important, particularly for crops with high economic and strategic value.
The Pollination Insights Platform uses IoT sensors to collect data on pollinator activity, flower visits, and environmental conditions in real-time. This information is analyzed using artificial intelligence to offer actionable insights for farmers, aiming to improve pollination efficiency and productivity. Traditionally, such data was collected manually, but the PIP system offers a more comprehensive and efficient solution.
The collaboration currently focuses on seed production fields in Israel and France, with plans for future expansion. Sensors installed in these fields measure bee activity, pollination patterns, and behavior throughout the day. Farmers receive real-time updates, enabling them to optimize pollination and improve both seed yield and quality.
BeeHero CEO and Co-Founder, Omer Davidi, highlighted the potential of combining advanced sensor technology with agricultural expertise to improve crop yield and quality while promoting sustainable practices. The PIP system represents a shift toward data-driven management in an industry traditionally lacking transparency and measurement.
Gabai noted that integrating BeeHero's technology with Hazera's agricultural experience has provided practical insights for beekeepers and farmers, enabling them to optimize production methods. The collaboration aligns with the Limagrain Group's focus on innovative and sustainable agricultural practices, aiming to enhance bee health, improve resource use, and reduce yield volatility.
This partnership marks a step forward in leveraging technology to address critical challenges in agriculture and ensure more efficient pollination management for seed production.
For more information:
Caroline Schonck
Hazera
Tel: +972 (0)8 8508850
Email: [email protected]
www.hazera.com