Orchards are the most concrete area of cooperation between beekeeper and grower. In many fruit species yield and quality depend directly on pollination.

The effect of pollination

Pollination determines not only the number of fruits but their shape and weight.

Each ovule requires a separate successful pollination. Inadequately pollinated fruit stays small or develops misshapen. Having bees in the orchard is therefore also a question of quality.

Timing

Fruit blossom is short and falls in early spring. Two consequences follow:

• The colony must be ready. A weak colony cannot field enough foragers in that short window
• Weather is decisive. In a cool, wet flowering period the bees cannot fly and pollination is incomplete

Bringing colonies to the orchard as flowering begins helps direct the bees to that source.

Gain and limit for the beekeeper

An orchard generally gives no surplus honey; the flowering is short and the colony uses what it gathers for its own growth.

The real gain lies in two places: rapid colony build-up and the fee received for the pollination service.

When flowering ends the orchard empties completely. Where the colonies go next must be planned in advance.

The pollination agreement

A written agreement protects both parties. What it should cover:

• Number and strength of colonies
• Delivery and removal dates
• Placement points and access
• Water supply
• Spraying conditions: No application during flowering; advance notice if unavoidable
• Fee and payment terms

The spraying clause is the most important and the source of most disputes.

The spraying risk

An application during flowering directly threatens the colonies brought in for pollination.

• Learn the spraying calendar in advance
• Close or temporarily move the hives if application is unavoidable
• Document and report suspected poisoning

Placing the colonies

• Distribute the colonies in groups through the orchard; concentrating them in one spot weakens pollination in the far corners
• Choose points with morning sun and shelter from wind
• Provide water; without it the bees go elsewhere
• Keep clear of machinery routes

The relationship with the grower

Explaining the contribution of pollination to yield is the basis of a long-term working relationship. A grower who sees the gain is more open to cooperation over spraying.