Linking farmer and beekeeper preferences with ecological knowledge to improve crop pollination

Abstract

1. Pollination by insects is a key input into many crops, with managed honeybees often being hired to support pollination services. Despite substantial research into pollination management, no European studies have yet explored how and why farmers managed pollination services and few have explored why beekeepers use certain crops.2. Using paired surveys of beekeepers and farmers in 10 European countries, this study examines beekeeper and farmer perceptions and motivations surrounding crop pollination.3. Almost half of the farmers surveyed believed they had pollination service deficits in one or more of their crops. 4. Less than a third of farmers hired managed pollinators; however, most undertook at least one form of agri-environment management known to benefit pollinators, although few did so to promote pollinators. 5. Beekeepers were ambivalent towards many mass-flowering crops, with some beekeepers using crops for their honey that other beekeepers avoid because of perceived pesticide risks.6. The findings highlight a number of largely overlooked knowledge gaps that will affect knowledge exchange and co-operation between the two groups. | 563 People and Nature BREEZE Et al. S U PP O RTI N G I N FO R M ATI O N Additional supporting information may be found online in the Supporting Information section at the end of the article. How to cite this article: Breeze TD, Boreux V, Cole L, et al. Linking farmer and beekeeper preferences with ecological knowledge to improve crop pollination. People Nat.

Socio‐psychological factors, beyond knowledge, predict people’s engagement in pollinator conservation

“…Different aspects of nature‐connectedness can be broadly understood as types or expressions of relational values (Chan et al., 2016, 2018), further to the instrumental values that respondents hold relating to crop pollination and food security (Breeze et al., 2019; Hanes et al., 2015; Park et al., 2020) and intrinsic values demonstrated previously (European Commission, 2018). However, our nature‐connectedness measures barely scratch the surface of the diversity of other relational values that may directly or indirectly influence a person's actions, such as attachments, commitments, responsibility and admiration, towards nature (Chan et al., 2016, 2018).…”

“…Different aspects of nature-connectedness can be broadly understood as types or expressions of relational values (Chan et al, 2016(Chan et al, , 2018, further to the instrumental values that respondents hold relating to crop pollination and food security (Breeze et al, 2019;Hanes et al, 2015;Park et al, 2020) and intrinsic values demonstrated previously (European Commission, 2018).…”

A global assessment of drivers and risks associated with pollinator decline

“…The probability of the same occurring in say, South America or Asia-Paci c, was considered far lower, even if the severity of the impact would be similar ( Figure 2). Experts were divided (low agreement) on the risk from losing managed pollinators in Europe (Figure 2), where markets for pollination services are less well developed 50 , and South America, where the number of managed honeybee colonies has expanded substantially but pressures on their populations remain high 9 .…”

Agronomic Traits in Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus) Can Predict Foraging Resources for Insect Pollinators

“…Insect pollination increases oilseed rape (OSR; Brassica napus) yield [16][17][18], seed weight [18,19], and quality [13], indicating a strong interdependence between OSR and pollinators. Evidence is mounting that a range of insect-pollinated crops are experiencing pollination deficits (i.e., losses of yield/quality as a result of inadequate pollination services) [20,21], indicating that effective management of pollination services will have clear agronomic benefits [21]. OSR provides insects with nutrient-rich resources, producing nectar and pollen as a reward for insect-visitors in exchange for pollination services [22].…”