The role of pollinators in global food production

Pollinators support biodiversity by pollinating wild plants, which maintain ecosystems that indirectly benefit agriculture.

North America has reported yield declines in crops like apples and blueberries due to declining bee populations from habitat loss and pesticides.

Studies estimate pollinators contribute $235–$577 billion annually to global crop production by enhancing yields of pollinator-dependent crops.

Almonds, a high-value crop, depend almost entirely on bee pollination, with the global almond industry valued at over $20 billion.

Pollinators enhance the yield and quality of nutrient-rich crops like fruits and vegetables, improving dietary diversity and nutrition.

Bats, particularly in tropical ecosystems, pollinate crops like cocoa, coffee, and bananas, supporting food production in these regions.

Pesticide use, particularly neonicotinoids, harms pollinators like bees, reducing their populations and affecting crop yields.

Fruit, vegetable, and nut crops, such as apples, tomatoes, and almonds, heavily rely on pollinators, unlike wind-pollinated grains like wheat.

Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are the most significant pollinators for global agriculture, contributing to crops like apples, almonds, and berries.

The FAO estimates that about 75% of global food crops, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts, rely on pollinators for yield and quality.