By Eric Mader and Jennifer Hopwood. Review provided by Organic Seed Alliance.

More than 80% of the world’s flowering plants depend upon insect pollinators to produce seed; this includes more than two thirds of all agricultural plants. Because of this, bees and other pollinators are an obvious concern for seed producers.

Organic seed producers may be particularly interested in the role of pollinators, especially when confronted by the risk of genetic contamination of their crops (such as by the accidental movement of genetically modified crop pollen). Understanding the role and diversity of seed crop pollinators, and strategies for reducing pollen movement between organic and conventional farms, can help ensure the survival of a robust organic seed industry.

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