Our Goal: To protect pollinators, wildlife, and the habitats they depend on through responsible farming practices and science-based stewardship.
At Pomona Farming, we take deliberate steps to ensure that the bees pollinating our crops thrive, while also protecting the diverse wildlife that share our orchards and surrounding landscapes. Our California almond orchards are enrolled in the Bee Friendly Farming® program by the Pollinator Partnership, reflecting our commitment to biodiversity, pollinator wellness and healthy ecosystems.
Bee Friendly Farming® Enrollment Across All Almond Orchards
Every almond orchard we farm meets the rigorous standards of the Bee Friendly Farming® program, which ensures pollinator forage, clean water, habitat and safe pest management practices are prioritized at scale. Through this enrollment, we demonstrate our dedication to creating pollinator-friendly environments while maintaining operational excellence.
Seasonal Bee Sanctuaries to Support Hive Health
Our dedicated Bee Sanctuaries create safe, supportive environments for pollinators to rest and recover:
- Plentiful forage
- Clean water
- Mild winter climates
This seasonal commitment strengthens colonies before bloom and improves pollination outcomes across our orchards.
Diverse Forage & Habitat, Year-Round
A minimum of 3% of our planted acreage is dedicated to pollinator-friendly habitat. We incorporate hedgerows, buffer strips and flowering resources to provide continuous bloom from early spring through late fall. Seasonal planning ensures habitats adapt to pollinator needs while maintaining operational flexibility.
Safe Hive Placement & Integrated Planning
Hives are strategically placed before bloom to allow bees to acclimate and pollinate effectively. Our pollinator strategy is woven into long-term orchard management, emphasizing landscape-scale habitat and pollinator wellness.
Leading With Responsible Pest Management
During the critical bloom period, our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach prioritizes pollinator safety through strict practices:
- No pesticide applications occur during bee flight hours.
- Neonicotinoids and chlorpyrifos are never used on our orchards.
- Any necessary treatments during bloom are applied only between dusk and dawn, when bees are not active.
- Biological, cultural and mechanical controls are incorporated to reduce overall chemical use.
By limiting and carefully timing treatments only during bloom, we protect pollinators when they are most active and vulnerable.
Sustaining Pollinators Through Purposeful Farming
Pollinator health is more than a program — it’s a principle embedded in every acre we farm. Through habitat development, thoughtful hive placement and careful bloom-time management, Pomona Farming supports thriving pollinator populations while protecting the ecosystems and communities connected to our orchards.