The Power of Pollinators

National Pollinator week is coming up (June 16-22), and it’s the perfect time to recognize the small creatures that play a major role in the success of agriculture. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and many other pollinators may go unnoticed in our daily routines, but their impact can be seen nearly everywhere.

The Importance of Pollinators

Pollinators are essential to the production of many fruits, vegetables and nuts. These crops rely on pollinators to move pollen from one plant to another, and without them, some of our favorite farm-grown treats, like strawberries, blueberries, cucumbers and apples, would disappear. You might say that pollinators help bring color to our meals.

The impact of pollinators also reaches beyond our plates as more than 100 crops depend on insect pollination. If we lost our pollinators, or even saw a heavy decline in their population, not only would we lose our diverse diets, but agricultural yields would plummet, affecting food security and economies worldwide.

Pollinators as Farm Partners

Farmers have long understood the importance of pollinators and for decades now, have worked to create environments where these small but mighty creatures can thrive. Across the country, millions of acres of farm and ranch land are enrolled in voluntary federal conservation programs through the farm bill. And beyond that, many farmers and ranchers are looking for innovative ways to support our pollinators and their habitats.

Everyone, on and off the farm, can play a role in supporting pollinators. Through the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, we have created numerous pollinator-focused educational resources to get the next generation excited about how their food is grown and the role pollinators play. One of my favorite resources gives you a peek right inside of a beehive. I encourage you to share these resources and others from the Foundation with the young folks in your life. Who knows, you may learn a few things along the way, too.

How to Celebrate National Pollinators Week

Pollinators may be small, but they are critical to agriculture. So, as we mark National Pollinator Week, let's remember the incredible role these creatures play, and the hardworking farmers who work with them to keep our food supply sustainable and our land healthy.