North Carolina farmers and producers are some of the hardest working folks, and the literal fruits of their labor sustain our communities near and far. If it weren't for our pollinator neighbors though, those fruits would not come!
Pollinators such as bees, birds and bats, contribute to 35 percent of the world’s total crop production, pollinating 87 of 115 leading food crops worldwide. Close to 75 percent of the world’s crops producing fruits or seeds for human use depend, at least in part, on pollinators. Pollination enables the production of an abundance of diverse and nutritious fruit, vegetable, and nut species (UNFAO).
The Sanford Farmers' Market and the Extension Master Gardeners of Lee County have teamed up to develop a guide for home gardeners to learn how to grow some of their favorite produce while also learning about the important pollinators that help pollinate the plants they come from or benefit from that plant just being alive in its ecosystem. Know it to grow it!
Produce Spotlight & Pollinator Pairing for October 2023: Pumpkins and Squash Bees (authored by Sarah Beck, 2023 FIRE Intern)
