Vermont has become the 32nd geography to join FieldWatch, a nonprofit mapping tool that helps beekeepers and crop producers communicate with pesticide applicators. The free registries aim to prevent spray drift damage to apiaries and fields. State officials hailed the partnership as a boost for sustainable agriculture.
FieldWatch, Inc., a nonprofit based in West Lafayette, Indiana, announced on February 17, 2026, that Vermont has joined its network as the 32nd geography. This brings the total to 27 other U.S. states, three Canadian provinces, and the District of Columbia. The platform offers secure mapping registries for beekeepers—both hobbyist and commercial—and crop producers, including organic and conventional operations, to register apiary and field locations that pesticide applicators should avoid during spraying. Tools like DriftWatch and BeeCheck are available free and voluntarily to Vermont users, while FieldCheck serves as the portal for applicators on desktop and mobile devices to make informed decisions and reduce risks from spray drift. “The goal is to get beekeepers and crop producers registered through FieldWatch so applicators can access accurate information before spraying,” said Bob Walters, President and CEO of FieldWatch. “This model has been proven to build good stewardship and communication in agriculture.” The decision stemmed from demands by Vermont’s beekeepers and crop producers for such registration capabilities. “The State of Vermont is excited to partner with FieldWatch to make their innovative technology available to Vermont farmers and beekeepers alike,” said Anson Tebbetts, Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. “This partnership gives our farmers another tool in the toolbox as we work together to ensure the continued success of Vermont agriculture and make our industry more sustainable by promoting safe, effective and efficient pesticide usage.” FieldWatch has pursued its mission since 2012 to foster awareness and stewardship through reliable mapping tools.
