Syngenta program to boost pollinators

Syngenta is implementing a 5-year, 1 million euro program to provide essential habitat and food sources for pollinating insects across Europe. Operation Pollinator aims to boost the number of native pollinating insects in 7 European countries: Spain, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Portugal and Hungary. The program will enable growers to cultivate wild flora that are favored by pollinating insects near commercial farms. Growers will receive seed mixes, innovative pesticide use practices and agronomic advice designed to benefit pollinators. The program is based on independent scientific research and progress will be assessed annually by an independent scientific auditor. Operation Pollinator is predicated on the success of Operation Bumblebee in the United Kingdom. Within 3 years, this Syngenta project increased bee populations up to 600% and contributed to the regeneration of rare species such as the large garden bumblebee (Bombus ruderatus). More than 80% of European crops depend directly on these pollinating insects. These insects are valued at EUR 5 billion annually to the European economy. Their value to the global eco-system is estimated to be EUR 150 billion Euros every year.