To launch the initiative, Flow Hive and One Tree Planted have supported the planting of 5,000 pollinator-friendly trees at Jigsaw Farms, a 3,441ha mixed farming operation in Victoria that recently became BFF CERTIFIED. Various native species were planted in July 2021 to enhance habitat for pollinators, and serve as a model for future Bee Friendly Farms.
“The Bee Friendly Farming Program is a very valuable ‘add-on’ which complements the other things we do” says Mark Wootton from Jigsaw Farms, “and the Tree Grant adds value to our program and allows us to plant more trees”.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to help with the cost of improving habitat and floral resources on farms to support pollinators” said Beth Dalgleish the Asia Pacific Ecosystem Director for partner One Tree Planted.
Grants are available for trees (>2m at maturity) that are indigenous to the region, provide nectar and/or pollen rewards that support and encourage pollinator health and encourage a diversity of pollinators to enhance crop pollination outcomes. Successful applicants will receive a contribution of $1 per tree planted.
“Every farm and orchard is different with its own unique opportunities and challenges” said Fiona Chambers, CEO of Wheen Bee Foundation who is administering the tree grants. “Bee Friendly Farming aims to work with land managers to optimise the potential of their land as far as pollinators are concerned. The tree grants support this aim”.
Grants valued between $500 to $10,000 are on offer. Applications must be received on or before 5pm AEST on Wed 15 September 2021.
To be eligible to apply for these tree grants, you must either be a BFF CERTIFIED Farm or have your BFF CERTIFIED application submitted and pending approval by the tree grant closing date.
One Tree Planted is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to make it simple for anyone to help the environment by planting trees. Their projects span the globe and are done in partnership with local communities and knowledgeable experts to create an impact for nature, people, and wildlife. Reforestation helps to rebuild forests after fires and floods, provide jobs for social impact, and restore biodiversity. Many projects have overlapping objectives, creating a combination of benefits for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
https://onetreeplanted.org/
The Flow Hive was invented by father and son beekeepers Stuart and Cedar Anderson. It’s about much more than just harvesting honey in an easier gentler way—it’s about creating community, educating people about the importance of pollinators and supporting beekeepers to be strong environmental stewards. As a certified B Corp (a business
that meets the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability), Flow is committed to doing business in a regenerative, ethical and sustainable manner, whilst also generating a positive impact for pollinators and communities through its education and impact projects.
https://go.honeyflow.com/
Wheen Bee Foundation is a registered Australian charity that promotes awareness of the importance of bees for food security, biodiversity and ecosystem health and funds research and development activities that address the national and global threats to bees.
https://www.wheenbeefoundation.org.au/
Imagine walking amongst almond trees that are just about to burst into bloom, with bees foraging amongst nearby native vegetation, and in cover-crops, waiting for the swollen buds to unfold. This is the picture of sustainable bee-friendly practices envisioned by the Almond Board of Australia (ABA).
Bee Friendly Farming’s popular tree grants are now open, with farmers across the country being supported to join the pledge to plant 100,000 trees for bees.
Wayfinder in Western Australia’s Margaret River wine region has wider ambitions than simply creating a delicious drop in a bottle. Theirs is a long-term vision to integrate habitat conservation, environmental restoration, and organic certification for their vineyard and farm.
Multi-generational family farmers have recently enhanced local habitat by revegetating almost a hectare of less-productive pasture. The Peel family is one of the first successful applicants for Bee Friendly Farming® certification in Australia, and they are also recent successful recipients of funding from the affiliated Tree Grants program.
