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| Honey bee on strawberry flower |
by DiGiacomo et ql.
Most fruit and vegetable growers understand that pollinators are important. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects help increase yields, improve fruit quality, and support healthy farm ecosystems. Yet many growers who want to support pollinators face a surprisingly simple problem: finding practical, region-specific information they can use in a timely manner.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Minnesota in the Midwest, U.S. examined more than 1,000 pollinator-related resources published between 1900 and 2025. The team looked not only at what information exists, but also whether growers can easily find, access, and use it.
The results revealed a paradox.
Scientific journal articles were generally the easiest resources to discover online because they include strong metadata, keywords, indexing, and searchable records. Unfortunately, many of these articles remain locked behind paywalls, making them difficult for growers and advisors to access.
On the other hand, publications generated by Extension (the outreach arm of US land-grand universities), along with government reports, and nonprofit resources were usually free and publicly available. However, many lacked keywords, searchable descriptions, stable web links, or other features that help people locate information through online searches.
In other words, the most discoverable information is often the least accessible, while the most accessible information can be difficult to find.
The study also identified major gaps in pollinator information. While general pollinator conservation resources are abundant, far fewer materials address specific fruit and vegetable crops, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), or conditions unique to the U.S. Midwest. References to Midwestern states appeared in only a small percentage of the resources reviewed.
These gaps matter because growers typically make decisions under tight time constraints. During bloom periods or pest outbreaks, they need clear, practical recommendations tailored to their crops and region. If information cannot be located quickly, opportunities to implement pollinator-friendly practices may be missed.
The researchers argue that information itself functions as an ecological driver. Just as habitat, weather, and management practices influence pollinator populations, the availability and discoverability of knowledge can influence whether conservation practices are adopted on farms.
Fortunately, improving access does not always require creating new information. Many existing resources could become far more useful through simple improvements such as adding keywords, providing summaries, maintaining stable web links, and making publications openly accessible.
As pollinator conservation becomes an increasingly important part of sustainable agriculture, ensuring that growers can find and use trusted information may be one of the most effective conservation tools available.
Read the scientific paper in JPE HERE!
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