New technical guide helps Midwest specialty crop growers protect pollinators, manage pests and boost profitability

A new technical guide from the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) and Extension offers specialty crop growers in the U.S. Midwest practical tools to support pollinators while maintaining productive, profitable farms.

The publication, “Supporting Pollinators in Agricultural Landscapes: A Technical Guide for Specialty Crop Growers in the U.S. Midwest,” is a collaborative effort led by CFANS researchers, Extension educators, and the Pollinator Partnership. The guide offers practical, research-based strategies for integrating pollinator protection into day-to-day farm operations—covering topics such as Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management (IPPM), habitat creation, pesticide selection, beekeeper communication, and pollinator-focused marketing. The guide is also available in Spanish. 

“Pollinators are essential partners for fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops—they directly influence crop yield and quality,” said Madeline Wimmer, Extension Specialist for fruit crops. “It’s worth it for specialty crop growers to invest in building habitat for and protecting pollinators on their farm.”

The guide is tailored for fruit and vegetable growers, beekeepers, educators, and conservation professionals. It includes case studies, research highlights, and a customizable Pollinator Management Plan template to help farmers put strategies into action.

“Farmers are busy, and we know that planning matters,” said Gigi DiGiacomo, Research Fellow in the CFANS Department of Applied Economics. “That’s why we embedded a Pollinator Management Plan template and budgeting tool within the guide to help growers weigh the costs and benefits of pollinator investments and marketing opportunities. Growers can leverage pollinator-friendly practices to access product labeling, agritourism opportunities, and potential price premiums that strengthen their bottom line.”

Funding for this publication was provided by CFANS as part of the 2024–2025 grant, “Advancing Adoption of Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management in the Midwest.”

For more information contact: Gigi DiGiacomo, [email protected].