Project Overview
This project helped vegetable and fruit farmers adopt practices that support insect pollinators, reducing risk of lower yield and quality in high-value crops. Of 102 vegetable and fruit farmers that responded to a 2021 survey, 94% were interested in learning practices to enhance pollinator habitat, and 59% were interested in financial assistance for such practices. In response, a comprehensive educational program was conducted to promote practices that support pollinators including habitat plantings, improved management of cover crops, tillage, mulching, and mowing, and avoiding pesticide harm to pollinators. Information was provided on obtaining NRCS assistance to adopt practices. Over 1,000 farmers were engaged through a web site, three conference presentations, 10 on-farm workshops, 5 webinars, and 155 farmers received individual consultations. Forty-six farmers documented adoption of new practices, and 12 farms participated in trials of cover crop mixes intended to provide season-long floral resources for pollinators. An on-line tool was developed for creating Pollinator Support Plans. Nineteen farms with estimated annual crop sales totaling $3.2 million used the on-line tool to draft pollinator support plans, and 58 farms obtained NRCS support for establishment of pollinator habitat on a total of 34 acres.
Number of Participants: 60
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
There are no promotional materials available for this project.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
There are no educational materials available for this project.
REPORTS & EVALUATIONS
There are no reports or evaluations available for this project.