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Pollination Security for Fruit and Vegetable Crops in the Northeast

The pollinator security project was initiated in 2011 to address a gap in knowledge with respect to pollinator communities in northeastern cropland.

Reports of declining native pollinators, decreased availability of honey bee rental colonies, and general public misunderstanding led to the creation of this working group to produce a sustainable pollination strategy for stakeholders.

The goal is to contribute to long-term profitability of fruit and vegetable production and the outcome is this webpage along with other farm training and publications to increase knowledge and adoption of practices that protect pollinator communities.

Upcoming Event: UMass Extension Symposium: Pollinator Health for Agriculture and Landscapes March 26, 2015

One component of this project is video segments which highlight aspects of fruit or vegetable production in the Northeast.

Specific objectives of this project are to :

1. Determine the contributions of pollinator communities and identify which site characteristics have the greatest influence on pollinator effectiveness in apple, lowbush blueberry, cranberry, and cucurbit.
2. Develop hypotheis-driven model based on factors shown to affect pollination deficits.
3. 
Quantify pesticide residues in pollen and relate to crop and management strategies, and estimated risk to the bee community.
4. 
Assess shared parasite load between introduced and native pollinator communities.
5. 
Analyze the economics of pollination services and determine the value of pollination service.
6. 
Heighten our understanding of the grower community to understand why farmers accept innovation and to increase adoption of pollinator conservation measures.
7. 
Facilitate knowledge transfer allowing growers to both assess and improve pollination security.

Source:extension.org


Trending Video

Breakfast on the Farm - August 23, 2025

Video: Breakfast on the Farm - August 23, 2025


Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Location: Norfolk County Fairgrounds & Schooley Orchards/Apple Hill Lavender
Start your morning with a delicious farm-fresh breakfast and experience life on the farm — hands-on, up close, and unforgettable.
After breakfast at the Norfolk County Fairgrounds, take a guided tour of Schooley Orchards/Apple Hill Lavender. Stroll through apple orchards and lavender fields, meet local farmers, and discover how your food is grown and raised right here in Ontario.
What you can look forward to:
  • Local farm-fresh breakfast
  • Meet and learn about farm animals
  • Interactive exhibits and games
  • Farm equipment showcase
  • Self-guided tours through orchards and lavender fields
  • Fun and educational activities for all ages
This is a unique opportunity to connect with local agriculture, learn where your food comes from, and enjoy a memorable family outing.