There is a reason a place like Cooper Farm was voted Best Eco-Friendly Company in our 2024 Best of Baldwin contest. The Coopers' dedication to cultivating thriving plants and sharing invaluable gardening insights are highlighted by Kitti Cooper's bi-weekly column, "Cultivating the Coast with Kitti Cooper," presented by Saunders Yachtworks.

Cooper Farm's commitment to environmental conservation extends beyond their greenhouses, as evidenced by their recent volunteer initiatives. Their endeavors include the establishment of pollinator gardens at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, featuring native plants crucial for the survival of the locally endangered Gopher Tortoise.

Additionally, the farm has rejuvenated the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail's Butterfly Garden with native flora, ensuring a welcoming habitat for pollinators year after year.

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We hear all the time to "save the bees," but are bees and other pollinators really that important? The answer is yes.

Addressing the critical role of pollinators in agricultural systems, Margarita López-Uribe, Lorenzo Langstroth Early Career associate professor of entomology and extension specialist of pollinator health at Penn State University, emphasized the indispensable contribution of pollinators to food production.

"About 70% of crops worldwide benefit from insect pollination and this is done primarily by bees and flies," López-Uribe said during a recent media brief. "And about 30% of these crops absolutely rely on insects for the reproduction."

According to López-Uribe, pollinators contribute not only to increased crop yields but also to the quality of fruit, its sweetness and even its shelf life. Therefore, there are numerous benefits to having pollinators in agricultural systems.

López-Uribe also emphasized that while pollinators are commonly associated with food security, they also play a crucial role in maintaining natural ecosystems.

Wild pollinators vs. managed pollinators

López-Uribe discussed the distinction between wild pollinators and managed pollinators. Wild pollinators are those found in their natural habitats, while managed pollinators reside in controlled environments. A prime illustration of managed pollinators is seen in honeybee farms.

A decline in the detection of wild pollinator species was noted by López-Uribe. Conversely, managed pollinators, like honeybee colonies on farms, maintain stable numbers in the U.S.

López-Uribe emphasized that despite the stable colony numbers, beekeepers are facing challenges in maintaining honeybee health.

Stress factors contribute to a significant annual loss of approximately 40% of colonies.

Additionally, roughly 90% of these U.S. colonies are transported to California for almond pollination, limiting their ability to pollinate gardens and other crops compared to wild pollinators.

"So, basically, we need a lot of these honeybees for crop pollination, and we are kind of maxing out the system," López-Uribe said.

Problems with climate change

Shifts in climate have caused bees and plants to synchronize at different times, with bees emerging earlier than plants, especially in spring, López-Uribe said. This misalignment poses a risk of premature bee mortality and could potentially result in the collapse of entire colonies, as flowers, crucial for bee nutrition, may not be available when needed.

Climate change impacts not only pollinators but also plants, particularly fruit trees and shrubs that rely on specific chill hours.

Recently, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued updated hardiness zone maps, indicating significant changes for Baldwin County. Formerly classified as Zone 8b, the majority of the county now falls within Zone 9a.

Though seemingly minor, this shift could have profound consequences, potentially leading to the demise of native plants and threatening endangered animal species. Additionally, insufficient chill hours pose a challenge for fruit trees and shrubs, as inadequate chilling can hinder fruit setting.

Cynthia Rosenzweig, a senior research scientist at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies and Columbia University's Earth Institute, highlights the potential impacts of climate change on agriculture. She warns of increased droughts, pest infestations and heat stress during critical growth stages like pollination. In addition to this, rising temperatures can accelerate crop growth but may shorten the grain-filling period, reducing overall yields. Coastal regions may also face heightened flooding and salinization, exacerbating agricultural challenges.

Additionally, Abigail "Abby" Lynch, a research fish biologist at the U.S. Geological Survey's National Climate Adaptation Science Center, highlights the critical role of water temperature as a key metabolic driver for most fisheries and aquaculture. She emphasizes that variations in water temperature can significantly impact production potential in aquaculture operations, depending on their geographical location.

MICAH GREEN / GULF COAST MEDIA