California agricultural producers and consumers rely on wild bee species to pollinate crops. Wild bees pollinate more than one third of California’s pollinator-dependent crops. These crops are currently estimated to be worth $11.7 billion annually. Many of these bees live in neighboring livestock rangelands, and provide diversification vital to sustaining our food supply.
Researchers have found that in addition to the economic benefits of pollination, animal pollinators provide up to 40 percent of some essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary lipids provided by fruits and vegetables.
Please see UC Berkeley’s Native Bee Habitats Key to Farming, Conservation, Nutrition for details.
Preserving and expanding pollinator habitats throughout our communities will is beneficial for all. The Pollinator Partnership is an incredible resource to help us accomplish this important goal.
