Every time #FeedABee is shared, Bayer CropScience promises to plant a wildflower. We think that is a great idea. Bees are a vital part of the pollination process and, as you may know, bee populations in the U.S. are on the decline in the world. That is why we support the FeedABee program and its efforts to plant bee-friendly wildflowers in all 50 states by 2018. As part of National Pollinator Week, we'd like to take a moment to talk about pollination and give a little insight into why programs like FeedABee are so important.
What Is National Pollinator Week?
This is a week that, ten years ago, the Senate unanimously voted to approve as a necessary step toward addressing the urgent issue of declining pollinator populations. It has been designated in order for ordinary people to spread the word about what we can do to protect pollinators.
When Is National Pollinator Week?
The Pollinator Partnership has proudly announced that June 19-25 has been chosen to be National Pollinator Week by the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of the Interior.
What Is Pollination And What Is A Pollinator?
Pollination is a vital stage in the life cycle of flowering plants. Pollen must be moved either within a flower or from flower to flower in order to provide fertilization. And around 75 % of all flowering plants species need the help of a "pollinator" to move their pollen grains. And what exactly are "pollinators?" These are creatures such as birds, bats, small mammals, flies, beetles, wasps, ants, butterflies, moths, bees, and any other creature that carries pollen within a flower or from flower to flower. Even humans can be pollinators!
Why Is Protecting Pollinators Important?
These creatures that aid in fertilizing flowering fruit trees are critical to our ecosystem. A pollinator's work ensures full harvests of crops and helps create healthy plants everywhere. In fact, it is estimated that 1/3 of all foods and beverages exist because of pollinators and, in the U.S. alone, pollination produces almost $20 billion worth of products each year. If we were to lose our pollinators, the world would be in a heap of trouble, our food choices would be severely limited, and the impact possibly far-reaching and devastating.
How Can You Help?
There are a few ways that everyone can help with this effort to protect the world's pollinators. First, reduce your impact by eliminating or reducing your use of pesticides. Second, increase green spaces and minimize urbanization. And third, plant flowering plants for pollinators! For information on what to plant in your area, you can go to www.pollinator.org. And you can make a big difference by spreading the word. Educate your friends, family, neighbors, schools, and anyone else willing to learn, about the importance of pollinators. You could even host a dinner or another event to bring awareness to this important subject.
Please join us in spreading the word about the importance of supporting the world's pollinators. Tell people about the Feed A Bee program by sending them to feedabee.com. Together, we can get those pollinators back up to force.