Did you know that one out of every three bites of food you eat is possible thanks to pollinators?
Food is one of the essential elements of life. How we grow, make, and process our food, all impact the future of our planet. Plants and pollinators are a necessary part of the food system. The USDA’s Department of Forestry estimates “nearly 80% of the world’s food crops” require assistance from animals to pollinate. Our human food system is dependent upon pollinators and inextricably woven into the success of feeding the world because so many plants require assistance from pollinators to reproduce. Below we share some of the “who, what, and how’s” you need to know to help support a sustainable food future.
Who are our Pollinators?
Key pollinators include butterflies, moths, birds, bats, and native bees. According to the U.S. Geological Society, “there are nearly 20,000 known bee species in the world, and 4,000 of them are native to the United States.” The USGS also shares that native bees “are estimated to pollinate 80 percent of flowering plants around the world.” These numbers help highlight the important role these creatures play in our ecosystem.
What Does Organic Do For Pollinators?
The USDA organic seal is the only eco-label that guarantees standardized rules and government oversight. A few of the USDA organic standards that support pollinators include reducing their exposure to toxic chemical pesticides, supporting biodiversity, and protecting pollinators’ habitats. This is why all of our Forager Project products are certified organic.
How You Can Help Pollinators?
Whether it’s planting native plants, registering as a bee-friendly garden, reducing or eliminating your use of pesticides, or providing resources to help you learn about Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Pollinator Partnership’s list of 7 Things provides a comprehensive and easy-to-follow list of ways we can support pollinators.
“To make a prairie, it takes a clover and one bee.”
Emily Dickinson
