- Terra Vera has introduced ApiVera, a new division focused on preserving bee populations and improving bee health through innovative, biodegradable, and non-toxic solutions.
- The decline in bee populations significantly threatens global food security, as honey bees pollinate 30% of the world’s food crops. ApiVera aims to combat this decline with targeted solutions.
- ApiVera’s initial products include a portable beekeeper system, featuring Terra Vera’s biomimicry-based solutions and a proprietary electrolytic fogger designed to enhance bee health and reduce Varroa mite infestations.
- Renowned entomologist Dr. Jeff Pettis has joined Terra Vera as an advisor, supporting ApiVera’s global mission to develop and expand safe, sustainable solutions for beekeepers.
Terra Vera, an agriculture technology company at the forefront of advancing a more food-secure future through amino acid-based crop management solutions, is proud to announce the launch of ApiVera. This new division and brand have been established to address the critical issue of declining bee populations.
The name ApiVera is inspired by the Latin words for ‘bee’ (api) and ‘true’ (vera), reflecting the brand’s commitment to developing bee-specific chemistries and products that tackle parasites and other stressors contributing to bee mortality.
One of the initial offerings from ApiVera will be a portable system, perfectly suited for smaller commercial beekeeping operations and hobbyists alike. These products will incorporate Terra Vera’s proprietary biomimicry technology solutions, which are both biodegradable and non-toxic to humans, animals, and the environment.
The launch of ApiVera comes at a crucial time, as honey bee populations continue to face significant threats. Since 2006, commercial beekeepers in the United States have reported average winter colony loss rates of 30 per cent — a stark contrast to the historical loss rates of 10 to 15 per cent. Bee colonies are an essential component of our planet’s ecosystems and play a direct role in our food supply by pollinating 30 per cent of the world’s food crops.
“Building on Terra Vera’s foundational work in pollinator-friendly crop management solutions, we felt compelled to contribute to the preservation of bee populations,” said Carlos Perea, CEO and Co-Founder of Terra Vera. “Bees are vital to food security, and we are excited to help beekeepers of all sizes enhance the health and vitality of their colonies. This, in turn, will help ensure continued access to affordable crops that rely on honeybee pollination, such as apples, almonds, berries, and so much more.”
(Read Also: ADM and FBN® Launch Gradable to Boost Regenerative Agriculture Adoption)
Download the Ebook nowÂ
Terra Vera has already made significant progress in addressing the issue of declining bee populations, including:
- Introducing miticide and nutrient-based solutions made with biodegradable ingredients such as food-grade amino acids. Terra Vera is actively pursuing EPA registration for its proprietary miticide.
- Developing and launching a proprietary electrolytic fogger for bee hive applications.
- Publishing field studies demonstrating the efficacy of its nutrient solution in promoting bee health and of its miticide in reducing Varroa mite counts.
Furthermore, in May 2024, Terra Vera announced that Dr. Jeff Pettis, a renowned entomologist specialising in apiculture and honey bee health, had joined the company as an advisor and industry consultant.
“Terra Vera’s technology is groundbreaking and represents the most promising safe and sustainable solution I’ve encountered for improving bee colony health and survival rates,” said Dr. Pettis. “With the launch of ApiVera and its dedicated focus on developing and expanding the reach of bee health solutions, we can assist more beekeepers than ever before, thereby making a positive impact on our environment and food systems around the world.”
Terra Vera has also recently commenced field trials with local beekeepers in the greater Albuquerque metropolitan area. The company offers a weekly fogging service using its activated amino-acid nutrients over five weeks, working closely with beekeepers to collect data and assess colony health both before and after application.
