Conference to explore pollinators and agriculture in Europe
Brussels 27.06.2011
European Parliament gathering to ask "is there a pollinator crisis?"
A conference at the European Parliament on June 28th will look into the current situation and outlook for pollinators in Europe and their relationship with agriculture.
The gathering will address the question: is there a pollinator population crisis? It will also review a variety of innovative solutions to the real problems that exist.
In Europe a great variety of bees, butterflies, beetles and other insects act as pollinators; their collective contribution to the food in our diet is essential, however, the dynamics of their current status is complex and often misinterpreted.
Key note speakers will include pollinator specialist Simon Potts, from the University of Reading, and Dorothea Brückner, from the University of Bremen. The event, organised by the European Crop Protection Association and the European Landowners' Organization, is hosted by MEPs Paolo De Castro, Csaba Tabajdi, Astrid Lulling and Bogusław Sonik. Thierry de l’Escaille, Secretary General ELO and Friedhelm Schmider, Director General ECPA, will open the event.
“We will introduce an expert report that examines the diversity and functions of insect pollinators, describes the value of pollination to agriculture, looks at trends in pollinator populations and explores preserving and enhancing options”, said ECPA’s Friedhelm Schmider. “We believe that a better understanding of the pollinators is essential to developing appropriate measures to ensure pollinator’s health”.
No pollinator receives greater attention than the honey bee. One of 20,000 known bee species, the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) is the most common pollinator and domesticated species on which the honey industry is founded.
“The conference will explore the close relationship between pollinators and agriculture, threats to pollinator species, and pay special attention to the honey bee in recognition of its importance to pollination and the honey industry,” said Schmider.
“The conference will help our understanding of the interrelationships and requirements of field crop agriculture, apiculture and biodiversity;science based policies will not only optimise the compatibility of these functions and services, but can also contribute to their enhancement and development” concluded Schmider.
The conference will see the official launch of the new illustrated report ‘Pollinators and Agriculture’.
--
Information:
The illustrated report 'Pollinators and Agriculture' is a available at link.
Full details of the 'Pollinators and Agriculture in Europe' conference at link.
