SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News)– One local farmer is stressing the importance of bees and insects in sustaining ecosystems.
This comes as pollinator week is in full swing, running from June 17 – 23.
Kyle Brown, a Syracuse farmer, said pollinators are vital to human survival.
“They’re important because otherwise we don’t have food,” Brown explained.
Pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, birds and bats, are responsible for one in every three bites of food you take, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
USGS also reported that pollinators increase the nation’s crop values each year by more than $15 billion.
Pollinator Week is celebrated nationally to bring awareness to the indispensable role of these tiny creatures.
Brown said pollinators make his livelihood possible.
“I don’t think there’s anything that makes me feel better than being able to grow local food and sell it to people,” said Brown.