Supporting pollinators in agricultural landscapes: a technical guide for specialty crop growers in the U.S. Midwest

Abstract

The Midwest is an agriculturally important part of the U.S., and many high-value specialty crops grown in the region require pollination by bees and other pollinators. This Technical Guide is designed for specialty crop farmers in the U.S. Midwest who want to protect and support pollinators on their land. While it’s not a comprehensive manual for pollinator management, this Guide offers practical ideas for getting started and encourages continued exploration of best practices. Actions that support pollinators improve farm productivity as well as the resiliency of agricultural operations and the environment. This guide goes in depth on several key areas of pollinator protection, including: Integrated Pest Management (IPM), pollinator habitat creation and maintenance, communication with beekeepers, and pesticide product selection and use. It also explores marketing opportunities related to pollinator conservation such as product labeling, price premiums, and agritourism, and provides a step-by-step template for developing a pollinator management plan and budgets. Finally, the Guide includes research highlights, resource links, and case studies to help farmers implement and adapt pollinator-friendly practices on their farms.