Eric Walgren of GreenLight Biosciences Speaks About Norroa at the OCBA February Meeting

 

 

Eric is a longtime beekeeper with experience managing hundreds of hives in multiple states while providing education to large groups about the world of honey bees and beekeeping.  For years before working in GreenLight Biosciences sales and marketing, Eric managed the honeybee hives on the corporate campus of GreenLight Biosciences, providing education to their employees through live beekeeping demonstrations.  Now he is the company’s regional sales and marketing lead for bee and animal health.  

Eric Walgreen will speak about Norroa,™ a next generation varroa mite treatment that targets varroa mite reproduction.  Norroa™ is suspended in a sugar syrup pouch applied to the hive and gets incorporated into the brood food that will feed developing larvae.  When the foundress mite hides under the larvae before being capped, she gets exposed to the active ingredient in Norroa™ called Vadescana, which she can uniquely uptake through contact.   Norroa acts on a protein in the varroa mite that ultimately halts reproduction.  This interruption in varroa mite reproduction results in up to 18 weeks of control with one application.  In lab and field studies, Norroa has shown no harm to queens, bees or brood and has no working temperature restrictions.  It is very easy to apply, and the pouches only remain in hive for a short time.  It also increases overwintering survival.  Think of it as a long-lasting proactive approach.

Sidenote:  Eric personally came up with the trade name Norroa and has used his sales and marketing expertise to position Norroa for a successful launch in the United States. 

Mr. Walgren will speak at the OCBA upcoming meeting on February 12 at 7:00 pm at the Orange County Center of the NC Cooperative Extension located at 1020 US Highway 70 West in Hillsborough. The meeting starts at 6:00 pm with appetizers and desserts that members provide. A brief business meeting will follow Eric’s presentation.