This week is National Pollinator Week, and USDA is using the occasion to highlight the role pollinators play in American agriculture.
Bees, insects, birds, and bats support the production of more than 100 crops across the nation. USDA reports honeybees alone add $18 million in value to agriculture crops each year.
“Our world's ecosystem and food supply greatly rely on pollinators — without them, many of our nation's crops wouldn't be able to produce as many fruits, nuts or vegetables resulting in lower supplies and higher prices,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a release.
USDA sad research, data collection and habitat enhancement programs help the department and communities to make strategic choices to support pollinators.
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“This week and every week, it is critically important that we continue to encourage the protection of pollinators and their habitats,” Vilsack said. “Fewer pollinators harm both farm income and nutrition security for many Americans. Healthy pollinator populations are essential to the continued success and well-being of agricultural producers, rural America and the entire U.S. economy.”
The USDA is hosting pollinator exhibits on the National Mall on Friday.
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