The AGRI4POL project, part of Horizon Europe, seeks to transform agriculture from a threat to pollinators into a driver of biodiversity, ecosystem health, and crop pollination services.
Pollinators and the vital pollination services they provide for agriculture and human well-being face global threats, as recognized by scientific assessments, policy initiatives, and international efforts. Intensive farming is a major driver of pollinator decline, compromising biodiversity and crop pollination. Additionally, traditional crop breeding has often prioritized other traits over the benefits of pollination for stable yields.
To ensure food security while safeguarding the ecosystems agriculture depends on, a fundamental shift towards sustainable farming is urgently needed, according to a press release.
Launched in January 2025, the four-year AGRI4POL project (Promoting Sustainable Agriculture for Pollinators) takes an ambitious yet practical interdisciplinary approach to fostering pollinator-friendly agriculture. It will provide a comprehensive analysis of the complex interactions between crops, farming systems, and pollinators — spanning from crop genetics to agroecosystem dynamics.
The project has seven objectives:
- Work with a multi-actor community on research and solutions for promoting pollinator-friendly farming,
- Evaluate crop genetics, varieties and floral traits governing pollinator attraction, to stimulate breeding of future pollinator-smart crops,
- Establish the benefits of pollinator-friendly farming systems for farmers and farming,
- Optimise ecological and landscape features for crop pollination, pollinator biodiversity and multiple ecosystem benefits,
- Assess the social and economic opportunities and obstacles presented by pollinator friendly farming options,
- Evaluate how policies and practitioner awareness influence uptake of pollinator-friendly farming from national to international scales,
- Communicate and promote the benefits of pollinator-friendly farming.
Led by the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (INRAE), the AGRI4POL consortium brings together 20 partners from across Europe, along with three institutions from China. The consortium’s diverse expertise spans ecology, agriculture, economics, and social sciences, complemented by strong capabilities in science-society engagement and communication.
“We are tremendously excited and looking forward to carrying out top-quality research and innovation to both reduce the pressures on pollinators from farming and showcase how pollinators benefit farming and society more widely,” Dr. Adam Vanbergen, the project coordinator says. “We have an ambitious program ahead but with such an excellent team I am confident of success.”
For more project news, follow the project on Bluesky, LinkedIn and stay informed as we prepare to launch the AGRI4POL website.
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