Whole Foods Market Announces New Pollinator Health Policy for Floral

By Greenhouse Grower staff|December 21, 2023

Whole Foods Market has announced a new pollinator policy for its fresh produce and floral purchasing that is designed to support pollinators and the critical role they play in the food system and the environment. The company has long championed pollinator health through its commitment to organic agriculture.

As part of the new pollinator policy, by 2025, the company will:

Require all fresh produce and floral growers to implement an integrated pest management (IPM) system, which prioritizes preventative and biological pest control measures and reduces the need for chemical pesticides.
Prohibit the use of nitroguanidine neonicotinoids (clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam) in all potted plants they sell.
Encourage all fresh produce and floral suppliers to phase out the use of nitroguanidine neonicotinoids.

In addition to honeybees, Whole Foods Market recognizes native pollinators, such as bumble bees, wasps, and butterflies, are critical to the food system and an important indicator of biodiversity.

“We understand the important role pollinators play in our food system and, through this policy, will build on our long legacy of supporting biodiversity and pollinator health,” says Karen Christensen, Senior Vice President, Perishables & Quality Standards at Whole Foods Market. “This is another critical step forward in our journey of climate-smart agriculture as part of our purpose to nourish people and the planet.”

The company engages its foundations and internationally recognized third parties to create campaigns that raise awareness of pollinators and their impact. In addition, its Whole Kids Bee Grant Program helps schools and non-profit organizations receive support for educational beehives and bee programming so students can observe bees up close and learn more about the vital role of pollinators. Since 2014, the Whole Kids Bee Grant program has awarded more than 850 educational beehives to schools and nonprofits with support from The Bee Cause Project.