Growers Encouraged to Include Pollinator-Beneficial Plants and Seeds in Spring Line-Up

Contacts:
Diane Blazek, National Garden Bureau, blazekdiane@gmail.com
Craig Regelbrugge, AmericanHort, CraigR@AmericanHort.org
Jane DeMarchi, American Seed Trade Association, jdemarchi@amseed.org

White House initiative promotes planting pollinator-friendly species, contributing to consumer and retailer demand.

January 19, 2016 – With Spring 2016 just weeks away, it’s time for growers to finalize plant availability for their customers. It’s more important than ever to include pollinator-friendly plants on grower availability listings this year. Not only are home gardeners and garden-retailer customers are demanding them, but pollinators and the plants on which they depend have become a top federal priority.

In an unprecedented move to protect a key component of our nation’s agriculture system and the biodiversity needed to sustain it, the White House in 2015 presented a call to action to support pollinator health. With one in three bites of food Americans eat each day dependent on the actions of pollinators, a declining pollinator population becomes a challenge for everyone to help solve.

The Pollinator Challenge

In June 2015 a group of national gardening and habitat organizations led by American Public Gardens Association, National Gardening Association, National Wildlife Federation and Pollinator Partnership joined with industry organizations AmericanHort, American Seed Trade Association, Home Garden Seed Association and the National Garden Bureau to form the National Pollinator Garden Network. This collaborative along with more than 25 other organizations and 8 federal agencies, established the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge (MPGC) to encourage Americans to plant pollinator-beneficial plants; whether a window box, a home garden or a large-acreage landscape planting, every pollinator-friendly planting contributes to pollinator survival. The MPGC encourages Americans to grow seeds and plants for the benefit of pollinators and to register those plantings to reach the goal of one million pollinator gardens by December 2016.

Why Availability Matters

With the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge hitting consumer awareness full force this spring via both the mainstream and garden media, demand at the retail level for seeds and plants beneficial to pollinators will be unmatched. It makes both environmental and economic sense to fill the growing need. Not only do bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and dozens of other pollinators need these plants for survival, consumers are stepping up to the Challenge and asking for the horticulture industry’s help by making pollinator-beneficial plants and seeds available.

Tips for Getting Started

Growers have at the ready multiple resources and ways to provide plants and seeds that can be used as forage or habitat for pollinator species. Determine demand and appropriate species for a given location by:

• Contacting local and regional botanic gardens, zoos and wildlife centers for a listing of their recommended pollinator plants. Remember, annuals, perennials and woody trees, shrubs and vines are all important;
• Reaching out to garden retailer customers to assess which species they suggest to customers and also which species customers are requesting;
• Connecting with breeders and brokers for information on native and pollinator plant programs; and
• Consulting the resources available through the Million Pollinator Garden Network Partners.

Using these tips and their own ingenuity, growers can be sure they are well equipped to meet the needs of garden retailers and consumers alike.

Take the Challenge

Helping our nation’s pollinator species survive hardships, build their populations and contribute to our food system is a responsibility all Americans share. Learn how you can help. Join the cause at www.millionpollinatorgardenchallenge.org.

About the National Pollinator Garden Network: The National Pollinator Garden Network collectively represents nearly one million active gardeners and 15,000 schoolyard gardens. The Network is challenging the nation to reach the goal of one million additional pollinator gardens by the end of 2016. The Network will work to provide resources for individuals, community groups, government agencies and the garden industry to create more pollinator habitat through sustainable gardening practices and conservation efforts.

About AmericanHort: AmericanHort was formed in 2014 by the consolidation of the American Nursery & Landscape Association and OFA – The Association of Horticulture Professionals. With a combined history of 220+ years, AmericanHort supports nearly 16,000 member and affiliated businesses that include breeders, greenhouse and nursery growers, garden retailers, distributors, interior and exterior landscape professionals, florists, students, educators, researchers, manufacturers, and all of those who are part of the industry market chain. The horticulture industry’s production, wholesale, retail, and landscape service components have annual sales of $163 billion, and sustain over 1.15 million full- and part-time jobs. Our mission is to unite, promote, and advance the horticulture industry through advocacy, collaboration, connectivity, education, market development, and research. The association has offices in Columbus, Ohio for administration and member services, and in Washington, DC to facilitate government relations and research activities.

About National Garden Bureau: Founded in 1920, the National Garden Bureau is a non-profit organization whose mission is to disseminate basic instructions for backyard gardeners and those who want to garden, that will inspire them to spend more time outdoors, enjoying all nature has to offer.

About American Seed Trade Association: Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) represents over 700 companies involved in seed production, plant breeding and related industries in North America. ASTA is the leading voice of action in all matters concerning the development, marketing and movement of seed, associated products and services throughout the world.

ASTA’s broad membership offers varieties from alfalfa to zucchini and all production types including conventional, organic and biotech. They promote the development of better seed to produce better crops for a better quality of life.