'Operation Bumblebee' is extending into another six countries in Europe, including France, Spain and Germany. Farmers and growers are the single biggest land users in the UK. As such, they have a major impact on the environment and biodiversity. Loss of feeding and breeding sites for some insects on farms has contributed to the decline of crucial crop pollinators like bumblebees. However, extensive research has shown that management of field margins and other non-productive areas of farms to create new insect-friendly habitats can reverse the trend.
Operation Bumblebee, encourages farmers and growers to plant specially designed wildflower and clover mixes along field margins. Over 500 UK farmers are now involved in the initiative, with 1000 hectares of bumblebee field margins planted in total. These pollen and nectar rich habitats provide the food sources for struggling insect populations. Even relatively small-scale restoration of suitable habitats can increase bumblebee numbers dramatically - up to 600% on farms in just a few seasons, with other pollinators benefiting too.
Syngenta is now expanding the programme across Europe. The project, known as Operation Pollinator, will invest Euros 1 million over five years to bring in farmers from another six countries. Growers will be provided with seed mixes, along with innovative pesticide use practices and agronomic advice designed to benefit insect pollinators.
Syngenta Operation Pollinator UK project manager, Geoff Coates, urges more UK farmers and growers to get involved too: “Operation Pollinator delivers a practical and desirable environmental solution for growers. It demonstrates that commercial farming and positive environmental management can co-exist in the same field.”
Growers or members of the public looking for more information should visit our Operation Pollinator website.