The economic value of insect pollinators was $34 billion in the U.S. in 2012, much higher than previously thought, according to researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University. They also found that areas that are economically most reliant on insect pollinators are the same areas where pollinator habitat and forage quality are poor.
Source: Swanson School’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, February 3, 2021. Link.
. . . study showcases the increasing importance of pollinators to supporting U.S. agricultural systems, particularly for the foods that are vital for healthy diets, like fruits, vegetables and nuts.” – Christina Grozinger