Nov 21, 2024BeeHero rolls out cover crop program to boost pollinator sustainability, soil health
BeeHero, a Fresno-based agricultural technology company, has launched an initiative to help California almond growers integrate cover crops, promoting soil health, pollinator welfare and sustainable farming.
Cover crops, planted to improve soil rather than for harvest, offer multiple benefits, including erosion control, weed suppression and improved water and nutrient management. According to the USDA, cover crop use has grown by 17% from 2017 to 2022, reaching 18 million acres.
BeeHero’s program will subsidize part of the cost for almond growers who adopt its Precision Pollination as a Service (PPaaS) system, which uses in-hive sensors and artificial intelligence to enhance bee health and crop yields. The initiative aims to make cover crops more accessible while aligning with regenerative agriculture practices.
“We’re excited to support growers in adopting sustainable practices that not only benefit soil and pollinator health but also align with a regenerative approach to farming, meeting the current and future needs of our planet,” said Itai Kanot, chief growth officer and co-founder of BeeHero. “Through this initiative, we’re creating a framework for sustainable agriculture, working directly with growers to enhance their processes and yields — from the soil to the pollinators to the crops — while fostering a more resilient ecosystem.”
Research highlights cover crops’ dual role in improving soil health and enhancing honey bee nutrition, without competing with almond blossoms. This supports stronger colonies during pollination, a critical factor for almond production.
BeeHero currently monitors 300,000 hives globally and plans to expand the initiative beyond California. The company operates in the U.S., Europe, Israel and Australia, providing data-driven pollination solutions to improve agricultural efficiency and sustainability.
