Native Pollinators
In Agriculture
Project
Native Pollinators in Agriculture Project
Missouri Partners Workshop
June 19, 2013
Ernie Shea
Project Coordinator
Native Pollinators in Agriculture Project
Background:
 Launched in 2006 and sponsored by the National
Association of State Conservation Agencies
 Initial focus using “free” pollination services as a way
to “sell” conservation practices to farmers
 Now concentrating on valuable co-benefits:
improved soil and water quality, biodiversity and
reduced maintenance costs
Native Pollinators in Agriculture Project
Project Leaders
Twenty member Steering Committee composed of
fruit, vegetable and nut producers; entomologists;
conservationists; along with industry and academic
advisors
Native Pollinators in Agriculture Project
Objectives
 Showcase how good, basic conservation practices
can benefit pollinators, farm productivity and
profitability
 Create an integrated group of federal, state and local
conservation programs that work in harmony to
facilitate the establishment of native pollinator
habitat that provides multiple co-benefits.
Native Pollinators in Agriculture Project
Pollinator Basics
 Declines in pollinator populations are a critical issue
and major threat.
 Native pollinators can’t replace managed bees but
they provide significant pollination services.
 15 % of the value of U.S. fruit, nut, vegetable and
field crop production can be attributed to pollination
services from native pollinators.
 Many “fact gaps”.
 Limited grower awareness of contributions of native
pollinators.
Native Pollinators in Agriculture Project
Areas of Focus
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Economic Indicators
Communications Outreach
Enabling Policy
Educational Programs
Native Pollinators in Agriculture Project
Fruits and Nuts
2001-2003
Average Value ($millions)
Value of Crop
$11,654
Value from insect pollination
$ 6,065 (52% dependent)
Value from managed pollinators
$ 5,057
Value from native pollinators
$ 1,009 (16.6%)
Native Pollinators in Agriculture Project
Apples
2001-2003
Average Value ($millions)
Value of Crop
$1,585
Value from insect pollination
$1,585 (100% dependent)
Value from managed pollinators
$1,422
Value from native pollinators
$ 163 (10.3%)
Native Pollinators in Agriculture Project
Vegetables
2001-2003
Average Value ($millions)
Value of Crop
$ 4,087
Value from insect pollination
$ 3,828 (94% dependent)
Value from managed pollinators
$ 3,227
Value from native pollinators
$
601 (15%)
Native Pollinators in Agriculture Project
Field Crops
2001-2003
Average Value ($millions)
Value of Crop
$ 28,753
Value from insect pollination
$ 10,191 (35% dependent)
Value from managed pollinators
$ 8,722
Value from native pollinators
$ 1,469 (17%)
Native Pollinators in Agriculture Project
2013 Work Plan
Widely disseminate information about success growers
have achieved using native pollinators to supplement
the pollination services provided by managed
pollinators
 Placing feature articles and opinion pieces in grower
magazines
 Feeding material to Farm Broadcasters
 Posting information on the Native Pollinators in Agriculture
website www.agpollinators.org
 Recruiting corporations, government agencies and NGOs
to join and support the Alliance
Native Pollinators in Agriculture Project
2013 Work Plan
Create and strengthen programs and resources to establish pollinator
habitat and increase populations of native and managed pollinators
 Encourage State Technical Committees to develop pollinator practice
recommendations and prioritize their use
 Integrate pollinator protection and habitat enhancement goals into
programs
 Support communication outreach efforts on value and role of native
pollinators
 Work to integrate ag producers into NAPPC activities
 Collaborate on mutually agreed upon enabling policy and funding
initiatives
 Support for “safe harbor” acts to protect growers who establish pollinator
habitat
Native Pollinators in Agriculture Project
Things Partners Can Do
 Join our Native Pollinator Alliance
 Disseminate information to growers and land
managers
 Sponsor native pollinator forums
 Encourage program managers to support pollinator
habitat initiatives
 Promote “safe harbor” provisions
 Encourage media contacts to report on free
pollination services from native pollinators
Native Pollinators in Agriculture Project
Irrigation Canal
Without Habitat
Irrigation Canal
With Habitat
Native Pollinators in Agriculture Project
www.agpollinators.org