Seeds for Bees designs and provides seed mixes and methods to establish forage that supports pollinators in California's orchards. This program works closely with industry experts, suppliers, growers, and beekeepers to improve resource management for all stakeholders. 

Seeds for Bees increases the diversity and quantity of bee forage in California orchards while improving soil health by encouraging the use of cover crops.  The seed mixes available to Seeds for Bees enrollees are designed to bloom at critical times of the year when natural forage is scarce.  When planted in an orchard the Seeds for Bees seed mixes are dual purpose;   they meet the needs of both beekeeper and grower.  
Project Apis m. is working to build a sustainable, healthy honey bee supply for pollination services in California while improving crop production.  This can be accomplished with cover crops planted in or around orchards.  Would you like to help us provide nutrition for bees?  Are you interested in cultivating cover crops that benefit bees and soil health?  PAm will provide the seed for you to plant for FREE.  We provide seed mixes that have a low-moisture requirement appropriate for almond orchards across California’s varying climates.  Contact billy@projectapism.org if you meet the following criteria:
  • You are interested in helping develop bee forage
  • You will plant the seed as early as possible in the Fall
  • Your planted forage will be available to colonies pollinating CA’s specialty crops, including almonds
  • You plan to emphasize planting locations which will be accessible to over-wintering colonies
  • You are interested in improving the efficiency and soil health in your orchard

PAm has developed seed mixes to provide floral diversity prior to and following almond bloom in California for the nearly 1.8 million colonies that come to pollinate the 2017 almond crop.  Just like humans, honey bees are better able to deal with stressors if properly nourished, better able to fend off pests and parasites and cope with pesticides and transportation stress. Healthier bees mean stronger hives and better pollination.  Working with industry experts, PAm has established acreage, seed mixes, suppliers, and planting regimes for use in California’s almond growing areas.
Watch:  Seeds for Bees, A Project Apis m. Forage Initiative

View PAm's Nitrogen Management Plans and Cover Crops for Almond Growers (.pdf)

Seeds for Bees Quicklinks:

Nitrogen Management and Cover Crops for Almond Growers