Why Pollinators Matter
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About 75% of flowering plants and around 35% of global food crops depend on animal pollinators like bees, butterflies, moths, birds, bats, and others to reproduce.
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Without good pollination, many fruits, vegetables, nuts, and flowers would have lower yields or poor quality.
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Strong pollination improves not just how much fruit is produced, but also things like fruit size, shape, taste, and shelf life. Better pollination = more marketable produce.
Types of Pollinators & Their Roles
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Honeybees – managed hives; great for many crops; easy to scale.
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Wild bees, solitary bees, bumblebees – often more efficient in certain crops and under varied weather conditions.
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Butterflies, moths, flies, beetles & other insects – also help; especially in pollinating wildflowers and supporting biodiversity.
Threats to Pollinators
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Loss of habitat and flowering plants reduces food sources.
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Pesticides, environmental pollutants, disease & parasites harm bees.
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Monocultures and lack of plant diversity limit pollen/nectar variety.
How to Support Pollinators on the Farm
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Plant a variety of flowering plants that bloom at different times (spring through fall).
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Leave some areas wild or semi-wild for nesting: undisturbed soil, wood, fallen logs.
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Avoid or minimize harmful chemicals; use organic or pollinator-friendly alternatives.
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Provide water sources (shallow dishes or small puddles).
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Maintain hedgerows, flowering borders, native plants.
Benefits for Your Farm
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Plant a variety of flowering plants that bloom at different times (spring through fall).
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Leave some areas wild or semi-wild for nesting: undisturbed soil, wood, fallen logs.
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Avoid or minimize harmful chemicals; use organic or pollinator-friendly alternatives.
-
Provide water sources (shallow dishes or small puddles).
-
Maintain hedgerows, flowering borders, native plants.