Pollinators are critical for global ecosystems and sustainable agriculture. Of the 115 leading global crops consumed by humans, 87 are, to some degree, pollinated by insects. Besides bees, also flies, butterflies, beetles, wasps, moths, midges, ants and other insects are acting as pollinators.

Honeybee colonies have increased globally by 85% since the 1960s. Their continued growth is important to ensure pollination services to agriculture, for both plant breeding and sustainable production of food, feed and biofuels.