Published in Scientific Papers. Series A. Agronomy, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 2
Written by Nicoleta ION, Adrian Gheorghe BĂȘA, Eliza CĂUIA, Iulia Oana ȘTEFAN, Viorel ION, Lenuța Iuliana EPURE
To analyse the perception of Romanian farmers regarding the importance of pollinators, a survey was conducted between February and August 2024. A total of 122 farmers (small, medium and big) growing rapeseed and sunflower crops were selected from 13 counties of Romania. The main goal of this study was to assess farmers' perception on pollinators, and how perceptions are linked with management practices. Basically, in this study, farmers' perception towards the pollination of two oilseed crops, namely sunflower and rapeseed, were assessed. The farmers showed interest in pollinators; over 90% of respondents considered pollinating insects to be essential for their crops. The majority of interviewed farmers recognize the importance of pollinators, but also exhibit uncertainty about the extent of native pollinators' contribution to yield and how to best manage them. The majority of farmers growing sunflower and rapeseed consider pollination services necessary to improve the productivity of their crops and they are concerned about the pollination of their crops, but however there are some farmers who perceive limited benefits from bees, or from investing in pollinator-friendly practices. Among big farmers, it was noticed that majority of the farmers perceive the honey bees to be the primary species for the pollination activity. The good perception of big farmers on importance of pollination could change the view of small farmers through the example power, considered to be the safest form of education.
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