The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), Pollinator Partnership (P2), and Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) are pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 2020 Canadian Farmer-Rancher Pollinator Conservation Award.
The Farmer Rancher Pollinator Conservation Award recognizes an individual or family in the farm and ranch community in the United States and Canada who has contributed significantly to the protection of pollinators on their farm and/or in the farming community. One recipient will be awarded in each country.
Individuals or families in Canada currently implementing pollinator protection measures on their farm or ranch are encouraged to apply.
Award Nominations
NAPPC Pollinator Advocate Award
The Pollinator Advocate Award recognizes individuals or organizations that have contributed significantly to pollinator species protection and conservation and to public education, resulting in increased awareness of the importance of pollination. Awards are distributed in three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
NAPPC Farmer Rancher Pollinator Conservation Award
The Farmer Rancher Pollinator Conservation Award recognizes the unique contributions that members of the agricultural community make to pollinators where they are needed most – supporting our food supply. Awards are distributed in three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Why Are Pollinators So Important?
Pollinators are essential to the food system. Without them, we would lose one-third of our diet and most terrestrial ecosystems would collapse.
In Canada, there are more than 1,000 pollinating species – including bees, butterflies, moths and beetles – that are essential to the production of over $1 billion in apples, pears, cucumbers, melons, berries and many other kinds of Canadian produce. These insects, and the crucial daily work they do, are being threatened by various factors. Clearly, agriculture has a role to play in the survival of our pollinators.
CFA is committed to a science-based approach in dealing with bee health and neonicotinoid-treated seeds. While there remain conflicting preliminary scientific results on whether neonicotinoid-treated seeds are resulting in colony collapse disorder and poor honeybee health, the results of new seed planting measures from Health Canada are important in considering any new actions to protect and preserve the health of bees. Further studies are needed in order to gain a more comprehensive and definitive understanding of colony collapse disorder, the effect neonicotinoids may have upon the European honeybee and alternatives to neonicotinoid-treated seeds.
Until there is a better understanding of the impact that specific neonicotinoids have on the health of pollinators, neonicotinoid-treated seeds represent significant environmental and health advancements in pest protection for several crops, as well as cost savings and increased productivity in the Canadian agricultural sector. To remove them as one of the tools available to farmers could result in the use of older, more hazardous pesticides that neonicotinoids had largely supplanted.
CFA is dedicated to promoting a better understanding and appreciation of all pollinators, with a particular focus on bees, while continuously seeking to decrease any environmental impact of farming, promoting best practices and supporting pollinator habitat. Farmers have a very close relationship with pollinators and are committed to continue to provide quality pollinator habitat, supporting biodiversity and working closely with regulators to ensure effective and affordable pest management tools are available.