The Institute for Environmental Policy (IEEP), in collaboration with the European Landowners Organisation (ELO), is organising a science-policy conference to explore the crucial yet often overlooked role of pollinators in agriculture.
This event is organised in the context of Safeguard, a four-year EU funded Horizon 2020 project which is looking at reversing the loss of wild pollinators across Europe with a portfolio of effective policy and practice solutions.
While pollinators are essential for crop production, their contributions extend far beyond pollination itself. This conference will highlight the economic, environmental, and social benefits of pollinators in agricultural landscapes, offering insights into how farming practices can support both pollinators and stakeholders across the agri-food value chain.
When: 2 April 2025 from 9:00 to 14:00 CET (including coffee breaks and lunch)
Where: Brussels (Residence Palace) – hybrid
Session 1: The economics of pollination – beyond yield increases (9:30-11:00)
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.
Session 2: Farming for pollinators – environmental and 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.
About Safeguard
Safeguard is a Horizon 2020 project dedicated to halting the decline of wild pollinators. The project is coordinated by the University of Würzburg with 25 international partners. Find out more on the Safeguard website.
