Why are pollinators important?

Bumblebees play a crucial role as one of nature's pollinators. Helping bumblebee populations and other pollinating insects demonstrates how agriculture can be managed in harmony with the environment to provide valuable wildlife habitats.

What is Operation Pollinator?

Operation Pollinator is an international biodiversity program from Syngenta, designed to enhance the number of pollinating insects on farms and in out-of-play areas on golf courses. Farms provide exceptional potential to create essential habitat and food sources for a range of native bees and pollinating insects. Independent research trials have shown creation of even small areas of dedicated habitat can significantly increase the numbers of pollinating insects. The program provides the knowledge and expertise to achieve the successful management of pollen and nectar habitats, alongside conventional management of productive farmland. Management practices developed to deliver pollen- and nectar-rich habitat for bumblebees, and other insect pollinators, are also beneficial for other flora and fauna on farms.

How to select an Operation Pollinator site on the farm

Areas on the farm identified as potential Operation Pollinator habitat include:

• Lower-productivity lands (not too saline or sensitive to drought)
• Areas adjacent to hedgerows and other ecologically sensitive areas (e.g. ponds, drainage ditches, other riparian areas)
• Sites with decent drainage, adequate soil fertility, and suitable sun exposure
• Cut-outs such as corners of fields

The benefits of Operation Pollinator seed mix

One of the major benefits of the Operation Pollinator mix is the provision of high-quality nutrition, including the protein-dense pollen of legumes which can aid in the development of bee larvae. In addition to being diverse and nutritious for pollinators, the mix delivers agronomic benefits. The legumes provide their own nitrogen by fixing it from the air while also providing some to their non-nitrogen-fixing neighbours. The mix also provides food to micro-organisms that improve soil health. Many of these plants are used as cover crops and as green manure crops, protecting the land from soil erosion, and adding organic matter to the soil. All the plants (except timothy) are known to bloom for lengthy periods, and the perennials will continue to bloom throughout the season with good management practices. Establishing perennial pollinator plantings may also help other beneficial insects, supporting greater biodiversity, and potentially enhancing natural pest control.

Whether you're interested in creating a habitat or want more information on the program we're here to help. Send us your contact information and we'll be in touch. Learn more about our Bee Health initiative.