Innovative Solution to Improve Honey Bee Health Receives Registration Across Europe

13 Jun 2014 --- NOD Apiary Products and BASF announced today that MAQS Beehive Strip has received green light for commercialization in key European countries. This marks a significant milestone in the partnership between the two companies, as European beekeepers will now have access to an innovative solution for controlling the Varroa mite. The mite has been designated as one of the major threats for honey bee health.

“With this launch we are making major progress to bring to the market an effective solution that can significantly improve bee health,” said Jürgen Oldeweme, Senior Vice President Global Product Safety and Registration of BASF’s Crop Protection division. “By investing in novel technologies and partnering with an expert in beekeeping, like NOD, we want to ensure we protect the environment and also agriculture. Pollination is fundamental to grow our crops and only a healthy environment and biodiversity can foster sustainable agriculture.”

The innovative solution was developed by NOD Apiary Products, a company focused on providing solutions for honey bee protection. “The product is a result of several years of research and development,” said David VanderDussen, CEO of NOD Apiary Products. “NOD has a close business relationship with BASF, which enabled us to bring MAQS Beehive Strip to the European market and also overcome a major technological barrier: It was possible to extend the release of formic acid from a specially-formulated saccharide gel. A vapor-wicking wrap made with BASF’s certified compostable polymer ecoflex proved to be the solution.”

The treatment successfully targets the Varroa mite where they reproduce, arresting the transmission of viruses into the developing baby bee. The product uniquely controls the Varroa mite by harnessing the vapors of formic acid, which naturally occurs in honey. When bees are treated with MAQS Beehive Strip there is no risk of unwanted residues in the honey or wax. “Helping beekeepers through the learning curve of adopting the new technology is instrumental in meeting the needs of beekeepers,” said VanderDussen.

“By ensuring a cooperation with beekeepers, farmers and other important stakeholders, we were able to leverage our experiences in research, registration and marketing and support NOD in making this innovative solution available to European beekeepers.”, concluded Oldeweme. The companies are confident that the commercialization of MAQS Beehive Strip is a very positive step towards ensuring honey bees’ well-being.

The product is now registered in Bulgaria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain. It is already available in the UK, Hungary, New Zealand, Canada and USA, and registration is expected for additional European countries, such as Greece. The product will be marketed by NOD in all countries through authorized distributors.