Out of 115 commonly grown food crops around the world, 87 use animal/insect pollinators. The U.S. grows over 100 crop plants that are pollinated by these creatures; of these, 90 are pollinated by honey bees.

Primary examples that require or benefit from pollinators include almonds, apples, pears, citrus fruits, cherries, pumpkins, cucumbers, blackberries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, melons, tomatoes, soybeans, and sunflowers. Collectively, these crops make up approximately 33 percent of the typical American diet.

  
It is estimated that 33 percent of the value of California agriculture comes from pollinator-dependent crops, which represent a net value of $11.7 billion. Wild pollinators residing in California’s natural habitats provide more than 35 percent of all the pollination “services” to the state’s crops. Most of the rest is provided by managed honey bees.

Like many other species, pollinators are facing issues due to climate change and loss of habitat. One of the biggest reasons for native pollinator decline is habitat loss. 

So, how can agriculture help? How can individuals help? One of the best things an individual could do is plant native flowers. This simple action will support other wildlife, too, such as birds and game animals; beyond that, it can also improve the quality of water runoff, decrease soil loss, and reduce the need for expensive pesticides.

Farmers and ranchers do the same kinds of things on a larger scale to support pollinators. They study the habitat already present on their land to support pollinators native to the area. They renew forage and nesting habitats by adding cover crops with local flowering plants, hedgerows, butterfly way stations, and other useful plantings. Reduced tillage practices can also improve pollinator habitat, as many native bees live in the soil. And they can also develop riparian (streamside) zones for wildlife habitats and corridors.

 
Learn more about how improving pollinator habitat can make a lasting positive impact on your farm or ranch through CDFA’s Pollinator Habitat Program.