Beekeepers around the United States have faced losses of more than 40% of colonies over a year (2018-2019) when a few decades ago, typical losses were closer to 10%. This decline in the bee & pollinator population poses serious consequences for our nation's agricultural system and our food supply. The Pollinators explores how pesticides, mites, and a lack of biodiversity contributes to this decline during a cinematic journey following migratory beekeepers and their truckloads of honey bees.

Join SBN for a virtual Q&A of The Pollinators at 7PM EDT! Please note: A screening link will be sent to registered attendees to watch the movie ahead of time. We will be joined by our panelists -

Peter Nelson, Director and Cinematographer of The Pollinators

Peter Nelson has been a Director of Photography for the past 30 years and has a diverse body of work including documentaries, feature films and commercials. The Pollinators is his debut feature film as a director. Peter’s signature naturalistic style of cinematography has taken him around the world to capture life as it happens for fiction and non-fiction films alike. Peter received a BFA in Film and Television from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. A backyard beekeeper for over 30 years, his passion for nature and documentaries keeps leading him back to explore the intersection between people and the natural world around us.

Mark Congdon, Farm Manager of Saltbox Farm

In a leap of faith, Mark left 13 years of city life to pursue the farming trade, later joining Saltbox Farm in 2012. At the farm, Mark leads a passionate team of farmers and apprentices in the year round care of the farm’s green houses, fields, bees, chickens, and lambs. He also enjoys hiking, coaching meditation in the fields supporting local farmer's markets, and being part of a food movement that brings sustainable agriculture to local communities!

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This event is a part of a statewide Eat Local MA campaign organized by SBN and the Massachusetts Coalition of Local Food and Farms to raise awareness regarding local food options and create connections between consumers, restaurants and local food producers. Download the free Eat Local MA mobile app today on iOS and Android stores, and begin finding local food and farms near you starting August 1st. Submit pictures of your receipts through the app to level up and win local food prizes!

For more information about the Eat Local MA campaign please follow this link: http://eatlocalmonthma.com