Native Pollinators in Agriculture Project - Missouri Partners Workshop

1. Native Pollinators In Agriculture Project Missouri Partners Workshop June 19, 2013 Ernie Shea Project Coordinator

2. 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

3. ProjectLeaders Twenty member Steering Committee composed of fruit, vegetable and nut producers; entomologists; conservationists; along with industry and academic advisors

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Areas of Focus • Economic Indicators • Communications Outreach • Enabling Policy • Educational Programs

7. Fruits and Nuts 2001-2003Average 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%)

8. Apples 2001-2003Average 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%)

9. Vegetables 2001-2003Average 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%)

10. Field Crops 2001-2003Average 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%)

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. Irrigation Canal Without Habitat Irrigation Canal With Habitat

15. www.agpollinators.org