Driftwatch video gives step-by-step mapping instructions

Last month, North Carolina became the 14th state to partner with FieldWatch, an online mapping service designed to help prevent crop damage and bee deaths due to accidental or unintended pesticide drift.  Check out the video below for step-by-step instructions on how to map your beehive or specialty crops.

“This program is voluntary, non-regulatory and free to use,” said Jennifer Johnston, Driftwatch data steward. “It should help specialty crop producers, beekeepers and pesticide users be good neighbors and work together to protect our pollinators and avoid drift on sensitive crops.”

This program is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to protect and increase valuable pollinators in the state. The N.C. Farm Bureau produced the video as an educational tool to show farmers and beekeepers how to sign up.

For more information about Driftwatch, visit www.ncagr.gov/pollinators.