The diversity and abundance of native bees on a farm, and subsequently their ability to serve as crop pollinators, are strongly influenced by two factors: suitable habitat on the farm and in the surrounding landscape, and pesticide use on the farm. The basic habitat needs of native pollinators in any location are the same: nesting or egg-laying sites, flowers on which to forage, secure overwintering places, and a refuge from pesticides. We recommend beginning with a three step approach to enhancing crop pollinators:

• Know the habitat on your farm. Look for areas on and around your farm, such as old snags, bare soil, fallow fields and weedy road edges, that can support native bees.
• Protect flowering plants and nest sites. Once you know where native bees are living and foraging, do what you can to protect these resources from disturbance and pesticides.
• Enhance habitat with flowering plants and additional nest sites. Adding flowers, leaving areas of soil untilled where possible, and providing bee blocks (tunnels drilled into wood) are all ways to increase the number of native bees on your farm.