The Steering Committee members of the Native Pollinators in Agriculture Project have been divided into work groups to address in detail the following four subject areas:
Communications Outreach
The task of the Communications Outreach team was to inventory pollinator communication outreach tools and recommend resources and vehicles that can be used to reach agricultural organization leaders, growers and producers, and decision makers. The team was also tasked with providing guidance for key messages, first generation print materials, and websites. View the Communications Outreach Team Report (August 2008).
Economic Indicators
The mission of the Economic Indicators team was to identify the protocols/systems used for estimating the value of crop production resulting from native pollinators, and to compile updated data documenting the value of fruit, nut, vegetable, and crop production resulting from pollination services provided by native pollinators. Crops identified for more intensive economic analysis include: watermelons, apples, seed industry (particularly hybrid seed producers), cranberries, squash, soybeans, strawberries, and alfalfa with its connection to dairy and beef production. View the Economic Indicators Team Report (August 2008).
Educational Programs
The mission of the Educational Programs team was to inventory and review educational materials and certification programs that increase the understanding, stewardship, and management of pollinators and their importance to production agriculture and the environment. The team was also asked to identify gaps and develop recommendations for consideration by the full Steering Committee. View the Educational Programs Team Report (August 2008) and the Educational Materials Appendix.
Enabling Policies
The task of the Enabling Policies team was to: (1) inventory native pollinator protection and enhancement measures and policies currently under consideration at the national level; (2) develop enabling policy and funding recommendations and suggest legislative vehicles to accomplish policy objectives; (3) explore possible “safe harbor” provisions which would provide protection for land managers who establish or enhance pollinator habitat areas; (4) develop a list of organizations that are advocating for programs and funding to protect and enhance populations of native pollinators. View the Enabling Policies Team Report (August 2008).
