Pollination on fruit and vegetable farms

500+

Species of bees found in Minnesota

15 to 30%

Percent of US diet that needs pollinators to be produced

$3.07 billion

Value of fruits and vegetables produced annually in the US thanks to pollinators

Why is it helpful to have multiple species of bees?

A study examining over 40 cropping systems worldwide found that the presence of wild pollinators visiting flowers was correlated with increased fruit set.

Each species of bee, both wild and managed, has specific types of flowers it pollinates well, places it nests, and weather conditions it flies in. Because of this, having a variety of pollinators present on the farm helps plants receive the pollination they need, regardless of the growing season. For example, fruits like blueberries and apples bloom for a limited period. Having a variety of pollinators present on the farm will ensure that these flowers are visited by bees, even on cool, cloudy, windy, or rainy days.

How to encourage and protect pollinators

Bees and other pollinators need habitat and protection in order to provide pollination for many important fruit and vegetable crops. To promote pollinators on the farm, it is important to get to know Minnesota’s pollinators and the way they interact with our crops.

Close-up of a fuzzy, dark blue orchard bee (Osmia lignaria) with reddish wings resting on the yellow center of a vibrant red flower.

Minnesota’s pollinators: Managed and native

Minnesota is home to over 500 bee species. People manage a few, but most species are wild.

Close-up of a cluster of white potato flowers with yellow centers blooming in a field of potato plants.

Pollination requirements

Understanding the needs of your fruit and vegetable crop is crucial for effective pollinator protection.

A close-up of a striped honeybee foraging on a pale yellow honeyberry flower, surrounded by green leaves under bright sun.

Supporting pollinators in agricultural landscapes

A guide for specialty crop farmers in the Midwest who want to protect and support pollinators on their land.

A diverse patch of tall native prairie flowers, including yellow black-eyed Susans and white yarrow, growing at the edge of a cultivated farm field under a partly cloudy sky.

Creating and supporting pollinator habitat

Minnesota is home to over 500 species of bees that inhabit and use various parts of the farm and its surrounding areas.

Close-up of a honeybee foraging on a cluster of white clover flowers, with the bee's compound eye and fuzzy body clearly visible.

Protecting pollinators from pesticides

Bees can encounter pesticides in multiple ways, depending on where and how they live.

Rows of espaliered apple trees heavily covered in white blossoms during spring pollination, with bright green grass and yellow dandelions growing beneath them.

Pollinator management at Pine Tree Apple Orchard

Learn how Pine Tree Apple Orchard manages honeybee hives and practices strategic pest management.

Create a pollinator management plan for your farm

A pollinator management plan (PMP) is a written document that outlines intentional strategies and best practices for managing and supporting pollinator populations at a site. We created a PMP template with a budget to help you plan for pollinator-related expenses.

Additional resources

Places to learn more about pollinators

The University of Minnesota Bee Lab is home to research and education on honey bees and wild bees across Minnesota.
The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board tracks state government efforts to protect pollinators.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has state-level information on pollinator protection and manages the investigation and reporting of bee kills.

Programs that may provide funding

The Natural Resources Conservation Service offers a variety of programs related to the conservation of soil, water, and the greater landscape. Sometimes their program can be used for things like pollinator habitat.
The NRCS’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program sometimes offers funding related to pollinator protection.
At the state level in Minnesota, the Board of Water and Soil Resources offers a variety of small grant programs related to pollinator protection. They also maintain a list of places to find funding for pollinator protection and habitat in Minnesota.

Becoming certified as pollinator-friendly

Depending on your customers and market, becoming certified as pollinator-friendly can help attract and retain customers. Such programs are available from the Pollinator Partnership and Xerxes Society. These nonprofits also provide information on pollinators and opportunities for participation in public science projects.

More from the fruit and vegetable team

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For general questions or training opportunities, please contact Marissa Schuh.

This project was supported by funds from the State of Minnesota Pollinator Research Account, administered by the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences on behalf of the Board of Regents.

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