Using Farm Bill Programs for Pollinator Conservation Biology

Bees and other pollinators are essential for production of many crops, and are critical components of natural ecosystems, since they feed other wildlife directly and indirectly by pollinating the flowers that produce fruits and seeds. Pollinators are also wildlife, so many existing Farm Bill conservation practices that are currently used to improve wildlife habitat can be applied to insect and vertebrate pollinators. These detailed suggestions for field personnel and NRCS State offices to move quickly to increase pollinator populations for healthier and more profitable agro-ecosystems. Of particular interest is a comprehensive review of all NRCS conservation practices that can be adapted to conserving pollinators through habitat creation, modification, and improvement.

Using Farm Bill Programs for Pollinator Conservation is now available

Other useful documents for NRCS pollinator conservation activities that may also appeal to the general public are at http://plants.usda.gov/pollinators/NRCSdocuments.html.