Many crops that we depend on require insect pollination to produce mature fruit and seed, as opposed to wind or self-pollination. Some of these insects include bees, beetles, flies, moths, wasps and butterflies.

Although there have been reports of honeybee colonies declining around the globe, Australia has one of the healthiest honeybee colonies in the world. CropLife and its members recognise the essential role that the plant science industry can play in protecting this status.

Find out more about colony collapse disorder

The Pollinator Protection Initiative recognises the importance of pollinators for the ongoing success of Australian agriculture. It provides resources to ensure that modern, innovative crop protection products are used responsibly and in a manner that minimises risk to pollinators.

BeeConnected

BeeConnected is a nation-wide, user-driven smartphone app that enables collaboration between beekeepers, farmers and spray contractors to facilitate best-practice pollinator protection. The Australian Honey Bee Industry Council is proud partner with CropLife Australia in promoting the use of BeeConnected.

BeeConnected is free and available on iPhone, Android and desktop computers.

Seed Treatment Stewardship Strategy

The Seed Treatment Stewardship Strategy provides information to reduce risks from dust generated during the handling and planting of treated seed and provides guidance on industry best practice to minimise off-target movement of pest and disease management products. The Strategy includes four specific stewardship and best practice guides. It complements existing strategies for treated seed stewardship, for example, those developed by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporations and the Australian Seed Federation.