457: Dave Hunter on Native Bees

Developing a relationship between primary pollinators and growers.

Realizing that his apple trees were barely producing compared to his neighbors, Dave Hunter found the answer was mason bees.  His hobby increased his harvest, and eventually his new passion developed into a brand-new industry and a new company. Now he is working hard to educate how mason bees and leaf cutter bees are a significant pollination solution. His goal is to build more native bee industries around the world. 

Dave is the founder and owner of Crown Bees, a native bee company in Woodinville, WA that sells bees and products online, to nurseries and farmers. His experience with mason bees extends over two decades. Dave founded the commercial mason bee industry, Orchard Bee Association, and works with researchers to ensure that what Crown Bees practices is both ethical for the bee and efficient for the farmer/gardener.  He co-authored the book The Mason Bee Revolution, and speaks to gardeners, farmers, and researchers throughout the year.

Go to https://www.urbanfarm.org/2019/06/29/457-dave-hunter/ for more information and links on this podcast, and to find our other great guests.

Also - Check out Dave’s post on our Blog: The Future of Food ~ Native BeesThis contest period has expired. 

457: Dave Hunter on Native Bees