The Importance of Pollinators
One of every three bites of food we eat is dependent on pollinators, such as bees, butterflies and other critters, that play an enormous role in plant reproduction. Pollinators provide approximately $20 billion worth of pollination for American crops each year.
It’s obvious that pollinators are valuable. But did you know that many pollinators are in trouble? Many species are seeing declines in population as a result of habitat loss, disease, parasites and over-use of pesticides.
To help raise awareness of pollinators' peril, NRCS and its key partners, such as Pollinator Partnership, celebrate National Pollinator Week. This week affords an annual opportunity to raise awareness for pollinators. Learn what’s planned for your area.
NRCS has teamed up with farmers and ranchers across the U.S. to use conservation to aid pollinators while improving agricultural operations. This win-win effort – for pollinators, the environment and agriculture– is made possible by producers who create pollinator habitat in their fields, pastures and forests.
In Ne Hampshire, producers plant conservation cover, field borders and hedgerows. These conservation activities, or practices, are just three of 37 that NRCS offers to help producers create the perfect places for pollinators to forage and take shelter. Learn how you can manage for native pollinators on your land here.