Farming for pollinators: Unlocking economic and ecological gains

Wednesday, April 2, 2025 / 10:00 – 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 will delve 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), invites you to a pivotal science-policy conference focusing on the indispensable yet often underappreciated role of pollinators in agriculture. This event is 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

09:30 – 10:00: Registration open

Session 1: The Economics of Pollination – Beyond Yield Increases – 10:00 – 11:00

This session will focus on the emerging research surrounding the economic implications of pollination in the agri-food sector. Studies show that pollination doesn’t just impact crop yields, it also enhances product quality, which can translate into higher market value. Understanding and quantifying these economic benefits could incentivise pollinator-friendly farming practices. The panel will bring together key actors from across the value chain, offering diverse perspectives on the economic value of pollination and how businesses can benefit from investing in pollinator-friendly approaches. 

11:00 – 11:30 | Coffee Break

Session 2: Farming for Pollinators – Environmental & Policy Perspectives– 11:30 – 13:00

The second session will delve into the broader environmental benefits of pollinator-friendly land management. What ecosystem services do pollinators provide beyond crop production? How can landowners and farmers integrate pollinator-friendly interventions into their practices? What policy incentives exist, or should be developed, to support pollinator-friendly farming? This discussion will feature 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.

13:00 – 14:00 | Networking Lunch

For more details contact: Leonor.cesardasneves@elo.org