Movimento Colmeia Viva focuses on the input distribution sector

The coordination of Movimento Colmeia Viva wants to end 2020 with at least 70% of the agricultural pesticide distribution channel, especially distributors and cooperatives, encouraged to share measures to protect bees in the rural environment.

Colmeia Viva is an initiative from the agricultural pesticides sector. The movement's mission is to promote the correct use of agricultural pesticides, protect crops and contribute to guaranteeing people's basic right to food. Respect for agriculture, protection of bees and the environment summarize the perennial flags of Colmeia Viva, as explained by Daniel Espanholeto, veterinarian, specialist in the correct and safe use of the movement.

“Our central cause is to bring agriculture and beekeeping closer together, the farmer and the beekeeper. The constructive relationship between the two is the key to effective crop protection and bee preservation”, he summarizes.

According to Espanholeto, as part of Colmeia Viva's actions aimed at the distribution sector, the movement and Andav - National Association of Agricultural and Veterinary Input Distributors - maintain a cooperation agreement. The resellers' entity joins efforts to mobilize its members in the dissemination of services provided to farmers and beekeepers.

Chaired by agronomist Paulo Tibúrcio, an executive with a 35-year career in agribusiness and experience at large companies in the sector, Andav is also at the forefront of its own initiatives aimed at the correct application of agricultural pesticides. It maintains, for example, an innovative Corporate Education platform called EducAndav, among other actions.

According to the executive, who was once a farmer and held leadership positions in the environmental area of ​​large companies, the Agronomic Recipe must contain guidelines and key measures to protect bees in product applications. “Andav encourages the distributor to advise the farmer about bees from the moment of sale until the delivery of products. The construction of more sustainable agriculture is the principle of longevity for Andav members”, summarizes Tiburcio.

Also according to its executive president, Andav encourages the distributor to recommend the Colmeia Viva Technical Assistance service.

“This is a free channel. It guides farmers, beekeepers and service providers on the relationship between agriculture, beekeeping and agricultural pesticides”, explains Rhaissa Michievicy, agronomist, analyst of correct and safe use of Colmeia Viva. She adds that by calling 0800 771 8000, the movement provides specialized technical assistance and facilitates training programs for farmers, beekeepers and agricultural companies, including at field level.

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According to Rhaissa Michievicy, another tool considered strategic by the movement is the Colmeia Viva APP, a free application available in online stores. “Farmer and beekeeper talk in real time. The first one registers, demarcates an area and notifies when there will be product applications. The second registers your apiary and tells you where your hives are. If it is located within a radius of six kilometers from the crop, the beekeeper receives a warning and decides the best form of protection.”

Espanholeto and Rhaissa emphasize that the significant reduction in reports of bee mortality in Colmeia Viva channels, measured last year, stands out among the main results of the movement since its beginning in 2014. “This advance is highly relevant, the result of recognition of the industry about its role in the integration between farmers and beekeepers. Shared actions generate mutual economic benefits”, concludes Espanholeto.

Paulo Tiburcio, executive president of Andav, also points out that the entity has a direct channel with more than 1,7 members. “The distributor is an extender of technology and good agricultural practices. Through him, Andav also promotes the formalization of beekeeping activities throughout Brazil. This measure is essential in building an increasingly productive and sustainable relationship between agriculture and beekeeping.”

Colmeia Viva's priority targets are agricultural areas in Bahia, Goiás, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais, Paraná, São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. Farmers and beekeepers in these locations, and in other parts of the country, can download the Colmeia Viva Good Practices Manual from the movement's website for free. Access: www.colmeiaviva.com.br