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Bi-Alert: The New App Protecting Bees in Agriculture

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The Austral Biotech Center at Santo Tomás University, with the support of the Foundation for Agrarian Innovation (FIA), launched Bi-Alert, a revolutionary app that promises to transform the dynamics between agriculture and beekeeping.

This digital tool allows farmers to notify beekeepers about pesticide applications, thereby protecting bees and preventing conflicts between the two sectors.

Dr. Nolberto Arismendi, the project leader, highlights that Bi-Alert is a step forward in pollination efficiency and safety in areas with intensive fruit production.

"The use of Bi-Alert not only safeguards and protects bees but also ensures the activities and use of agricultural pesticides by farmers, reducing potential conflicts or issues that may arise between farmers and beekeepers due to the side effects of pesticide use when not promptly communicated to nearby beekeepers," explains Dr. Arismendi.

The app aligns with Beekeeping Law No. 21,489, which requires farmers to report pesticide use, and relies on Exempt Resolution No. 7068 for the ecotoxicological classification of these products. With dedicated interfaces for farmers and beekeepers, Bi-Alert facilitates the issuance and reception of alerts via geolocation, eliminating the need for prior contact between parties. Additionally, it features a backup platform that manages information on pesticides authorized by SAG, including details such as commercial name, active ingredient, and risk level for bees.

This innovation not only protects bees, essential for pollination and biodiversity, but also promotes responsible agricultural practices. With Bi-Alert, the Los Lagos Region positions itself at the forefront of integrating technology and sustainability in the agri-food sector.