Farming for pollinators: Unlocking economic and ecological gains
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 / 9:00 – 14:00 (CET) – Residence Palace (Rue de la Loi 155, 1000, Brussels)
Pollinators are vital not only for crop production but also for enhancing product quality and market value. This conference delved into the economic, environmental, and social advantages of pollinators within agricultural landscapes, providing insights into farming practices that benefit both pollinators and stakeholders throughout the agri-food value chain.
The Institute for Environmental Policy (IEEP), in partnership with the European Landowners Organisation (ELO), invited you to a pivotal science-policy conference focusing on the indispensable yet often underappreciated role of pollinators in agriculture. This event was part of Safeguard, a four-year EU-funded Horizon 2020 project aimed at reversing the decline of wild pollinators across Europe by implementing effective policy and practice solutions.
Structure of the Event
09:00 – 9:30: Registration and coffee
09:30: Introduction
Session 1: The Economics of Pollination – Beyond Yield Increases – 9:45 – 11:00
This session focused on the emerging research surrounding the economic implications of pollination in the agri-food sector. Studies showed that pollination didn’t just impact crop yields—it also enhanced product quality, which could translate into higher market value. Understanding and quantifying these economic benefits had the potential to incentivise pollinator-friendly farming practices. The panel brought together key actors from across the value chain, offering diverse perspectives on the economic value of pollination and how businesses could benefit from investing in pollinator-friendly approaches.
- 9:45-10:20: Scientific presentations
- 10:20-10:35: Panel discussion (including 10’ Q&A with audience)
11:00 – 11:30 | Coffee Break
Session 2: Farming for Pollinators – Environmental & Policy Perspectives– 11:30 – 13:00
The second session delved into the broader environmental benefits of pollinator-friendly land management. What ecosystem services did pollinators provide beyond crop production? How could landowners and farmers integrate pollinator-friendly interventions into their practices? What policy incentives existed, or should have been developed, to support pollinator-friendly farming? This discussion featured the latest research, best practices from the field, and insights from policymakers, fostering a science-policy dialogue on how to create win-win strategies for both agriculture and biodiversity.
- 11:35-12:10: Scientific presentations
- 12:10 – 12:45: Panel discussion (including 10’ Q&A with audience)
13:00 – 14:00 | Networking Lunch
For more details contact: Leonor.cesardasneves@elo.org
Check out the presentations
