Pollinators and agriculture: a vital balance
World Bee Day (May 20) is an opportunity to highlight an often overlooked topic: the essential role of pollinators such as bees, bumblebees, butterflies, beetles, and birds, in agricultural production and ecosystem stability.
Bees, in particular, are highly sensitive biological indicators. Their presence and behavior reflect environmental health, providing clear signals about the impact of farming practices, resource management, and climate conditions.
At OP APOD, our production model combines innovation, sustainability, and agronomic expertise, turning these principles into concrete actions that enhance product quality while protecting the land.
Pollination and agricultural production: a direct link
Biotic pollination is fundamental to a large share of global food production.
Without pollinators, not only would yields decline, but the quality and diversity of crops would also be significantly reduced.
Pollinators are essential for:
70%
of the world’s major agricultural crops
80%
of cultivated species in Europe
90%
the survival of 90% of wild flowering plants
577 Billion
a global economic value estimated between $235 and $577 billion
Pollinator decline: a growing threat to agriculture
In recent years, pollinator populations have been steadily declining.
This trend is driven by multiple, often interconnected fact:
- habitat loss and fragmentation
- intensive farming and landscape simplification
- unsustainable use of pesticides
- climate change
- the spread of pests and invasive species, such as Varroa destructor and the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina)
Sustainable agriculture and pollinator protection
Protecting pollinators means rethinking agricultural practices.
This includes creating hedgerows and flower strips to support biodiversity, using plant protection products responsibly, adopting sustainable farming techniques, and managing the landscape in a more balanced way.
These actions not only safeguard pollinators but also contribute to long-term agricultural resilience.
APOD has adopted the SQNPI certification system as a concrete commitment to sustainable agriculture.
This voluntary certification:
- promotes integrated production methods
- reduces the use of synthetic chemicals
- encourages environmentally responsible practices
- ensures traceability and control across the entire supply chain
The symbol of the certification itself—a bee—highlights its strong connection to pollinator protection.
How SQNPI certification works
compliance with regional integrated production guidelines
use of farm logbooks to ensure traceability
inspections carried out by accredited certification bodies
verification of compliance with production processes
Certificate of compliance
This process leads to the issuance of a certificate of compliance, guaranteeing adherence to sustainability standards.
SQNPI certification supports improved agronomic management, reduces environmental impact, enhances transparency across the supply chain, and helps meet market and distribution requirements.
Would you like to integrate sustainability, certifications, and advanced agronomic management into your farm or supply chain?
