LOS ANGELES, CA (June 26, 2012) – Guerilla Beekeepers will be keeping busy and buzzing as the latest recipient of a low-interest loan from Whole Foods Market’s Local Producer Loan Program. Known for their safe, humane and gentle honeybee rescue and relocation services throughout Orange County and San Diego County, the company has also developed treatment-free honey which is currently available at Whole Foods Market stores in Encinitas, Hillcrest, Tustin and La Jolla.
The loan will fund growth and development of new treatment-free apiaries, the company’s manufacturing facility, and office improvements which will allow Guerilla Beekeepers to expand rescue and relocation services in Southern California as well as upgrade in capacity and efficiency within the organization.
“One of Whole Foods Market’s core values is creating ongoing win-win partnerships with our suppliers,” said Dwight Detter, Whole Foods Market South Bay, San Diego and Orange Counties forager. “Not only does Guerilla Beekeepers share our mission to provide the highest-quality all-natural products, but they also have a greater vision to spread awareness about honeybees and the vital role they play in our lives, making them a natural fit for the Local Producer Loan Program.”
Though the month of June is officially Honeybee Awareness Month at Whole Foods Market, stores will be honoring and spreading awareness for honeybees throughout the entire summer. Honeybees are hard at work pollinating the plants, vegetables and are largely responsible for the food we depend on for survival. While they continue to play an essential role in our everyday lives, the lives of honeybees are at risk with a rapid decline in their population over the last 20 years. Pesticides, pathogens and loss of habitat are the main contributors to the dying colonies.
Guerilla Beekeepers distinguishes itself by following treatment-free beekeeping methods and never uses antibiotics, fungicides or miticides. The company also utilizes screened hive bottoms and foundationless combs in order to naturally prevent invasive pests. Additionally, honeybees keep happy and buzzing in their apiaries — free of commercial pollination duties, which allows for free range of flora to forage and a more balanced diet.
Whole Foods Market’s low-interest loan will also help to support the manufacturing of treatment-free honey and all-natural body care produced by Guerilla Beekeepers and its busy bees. By keeping healthier bees that are free of drugs or chemical treatments, high-quality honey and wax can be made as pure as possible. Whole Foods Market stores in Encinitas, Hillcrest, Tustin and La Jolla are stocking their shelves with Guerilla Beekeepers honey starting at $6.99 for six ounces, and honeycomb starting at $13.99 for 12 ounces.
“With this loan, we’ll be able to increase our output and ultimately grow both awareness of our products and more importantly, the honeybees,” said Bill Walter of Guerilla Beekeepers. “Our passion lies with the bees and the importance of rescuing them. Whole Foods Market has been a genuine partner, sharing and supporting our vision by serving as a retailer and literally investing in our success.”
Whole Foods Market, the world’s leading natural and organic foods supermarket, has pledged to grant up to $10 million in low-interest loans to small, local producers. To date, the program has funded more than $7 million for recipients’ capital expenditures.
To apply for a loan through Whole Foods Market’s Local Producer Loan Program, producers must meet Whole Foods Market’s strict Quality Standards, use the funds for expansion and have a viable business plan. Loans range from $1,000 to $100,000 and have fixed, low interest rates. To view online video testimonials and to learn more about the Local Producer Loan Program, visit wholefoodsmarket.com/loans.
