Why are pollinators important?

Worldwide, roughly 1,000 plants need to be pollinated by animals in order to produce the goods on which we depend, including plants grown for:

  • Beverages
  • Fibers
  • Food
  • Medicines
  • Spices

Foods and beverages produced with the help of pollinators include:

  • Almonds
  • Apples
  • Blueberries
  • Chocolate
  • Coffee
  • Melons
  • Peaches
  • Potatoes
  • Pumpkins
  • Tequila
  • Vanilla

In the United States, pollination by honey bees, native bees, and other insects produces $40 billion worth of products annually.

Show All Answers

1. How does pollination occur?
2. What are examples of pollinating animals?
3. Why are pollinators important?
4. What is a host plant?