IN YOUR ORCHARD
Unfortunately, many pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss, chemical exposure, disease, pollution, and climate change (NRCNA, 2006; Kremen et al., 2002). California’s almond industry, producing 76% of the world’s supply and relying heavily on cross-pollination, depends on healthy pollinators for quality and yield (Almond Board of California, 2023; CDFA, 2020, 2023; USDA, 2022). In intensive agricultural landscapes, habitat loss and pesticides are major drivers of wild bee declines (Stulligross and Williams, 2020; Kremen et al., 2002; Sheffield et al., 2008). Growers can help build resilient pollination systems by adopting
On the forage section of the application, you will be asked for: • The location and type of pollinator forage • Plant species used for forage and the seasons in which they bloom To receive full points for the highest tier, qualifying habitat acreage must be at least 3% of cropped area. For third-tier points, forage must: a. Bloom in spring, summer and fall b. Be located inside or outside cropped areas c. Include more than two blooming species per season Permanent Habitat Incorporate permanent pollinator habitat with forage features equivalent to 0.5% of total cropped area. You will need to provide: • Type of permanent habitat, such as hedgerows, brush, buffer strips or bare ground • Acreage of permanent habitat and total habitat • Total habitat includes both temporary and permanent habitat • Permanent habitat includes areas that do not require annual reseeding or revegetation (cover crops do not count) • For highest-tier points, permanent habitat must equal at least 0.5% of cropped area. This requirement applies to new and existing farms by 2027. • You must provide evidence of nesting resources. Apiaries or honey bee boxes do not qualify.
best management practices. Bee Friendly Farming provides standards, such as offering nutrition, habitat, and integrated pest management, that support pollinator health and long-term agricultural sustainability.
BFF Member Criteria Forage
Offer forage providing good nutrition for bees on at least 3% of cropped acreage. Forage can be temporary and include cover crops if left to bloom. Provide bloom of different flowering plants throughout the growing season, from early spring to late autumn. There is no minimum land coverage for seasonal bloom.
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ALMOND FACTS
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