Imagine never eating a strawberry or tomato again. We must protect pollinators | Opinion

Imagine never eating a strawberry or tomato again. Not because of an allergy, but because they no longer exist. This scenario could become reality if the pollinator population continues to decline. 

Pollinators, such as bees, butterflies and birds, are essential to our food system, supporting the growth of over 130 types of fruits and vegetables like strawberries, tomatoes and peppers. Without them, our diets would be severely limited, lacking necessary nutrition. 

More:Bees vital in Oklahoma agriculture losing ground. What can be done?

Beyond our food, pollinators are a crucial part of the overall stability and health of our ecosystems by helping to clean the air, stabilize soil and support other wildlife. Stable, healthy ecosystems are essential for the global economy to flourish. A study by the Pollinator Partnership, the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to the protection and promotion of pollinators and their ecosystems, found the economic impact of pollinators adds $217 billion annually to the global economy. In the United States, honey bees contribute between $1.2 and $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity.  

Beekeepers are losing more than 30% of their bees each year — and native pollinator populations could be faring even worse. If we continue to lose these invaluable insects at such a rapid pace, the consequences would be staggering for the economy and our way of life, rippling through the food chain and beyond, affecting everything from the food on our plates to the health of our environments. Factors like climate change, pesticide use and habitat loss are contributing to this alarming reality. 

More:A sweet recovery: Group helps relocate endangered honeybee colony at Edmond home

Given their importance, pollinator conservation is essential now more than ever. At Mollie Spencer Farm, we’ve embraced protecting pollinators, and you should, too.  

To support pollinators in your area, start by creating pollinator habitats and dedicate a part of your land or garden to pollinator-friendly plants like Black-eyed Susans, Showy Milkweed and Indian Blankets, Oklahoma’s state wildflower. Avoid using pesticides in your yard and encourage your neighbors to do the same. If you find unwanted bees near you, instead of killing them, contact local beekeepers to relocate the hive.  Additionally, support conservation efforts through donations, volunteering or sharing your knowledge with others about these essential creatures. More information on how to support pollinators can be found on the Pollinator Partnership’s website. 

By making small changes in our backyards and supporting conservation efforts, we can help ensure a future where strawberries and salsa remain part of our daily lives.