Meeting growers where they are: IPPM as a tool for more impactful pollinator conservation

Habitat creation and enhancement are essential for supporting pollinators and other beneficial insects in agricultural landscapes. Yet, the ecological value of these habitats is often compromised by pesticide contamination. Given the well-documented role of pesticides in invertebrate declines, effective conservation on working lands must pair habitat enhancements with practices that reduce pesticide exposure. Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management (IPPM) provides a practical framework to achieve this balance, supporting both insect conservation and sustainable crop production by minimizing pesticide inputs and associated risks. For two decades, the Xerces Society has worked alongside producers to advance insect conservation on working lands. Our experience has shown that successful conservation outcomes are most likely when both parties are willing to expand their comfort zones and engage with one another’s perspectives. Conservation practitioners benefit by gaining insight into pest management, while producers benefit from deepening their knowledge of biodiversity conservation. This presentation will highlight how IPPM can serve as a common language to bridge these perspectives and align farm conservation and production goals. We will discuss some of the tools we use to engage producers, including certification programs, educational and training resources, technical assistance, and cost-share which help growers implement effective, lasting conservation practices on their land. By embedding pollinator-friendly practices into farm operations, IPPM makes on-farm pollinator conservation more approachable and impactful.