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Insect Pollinators & Pollination

A range of insects including bumblebees, solitary bees, hoverflies, and beetles help to pollinate economically important crops such as oilseed rape, field beans, apples and raspberries.  The production of 84% of crop species cultivated in Europe depends directly on pollinators.  The majority of wildflowers also rely on insect pollinators and pollinators, therefore, shape our countryside creating habitat for a range of wildlife. The importance of insect pollinators in agricultural landscapes dominated by wind-pollinated crops (e.g. wheat, barley, and grass) should not be underestimated.

In the UK, populations of economically important pollinators have declined with plummeting populations posing a threat to food security. Pollinators face a number of pressures including climate change, agricultural intensification and the loss of flower-rich semi-natural habitats.  Farmers can play an important part in helping to reverse pollinator declines by providing vital food and habitat resources.

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