UK Parliament / Open data

UK Bee Population

Proceeding contribution from Alex Chalk (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 14 November 2017. It occurred during Debate on UK Bee Population.

I agree and am grateful to the hon. Lady for that helpful contribution.

The point being got at, whether by a poet or a scientist, is that of the 100 crop species that provide 90% of food worldwide, 70 are pollinated by bees. Bees, as we know, transfer pollen from anthers to stigmas, frequently over long distances. Seeds are produced, but, crucially, genetic diversity, so vital to the health of many plant species, is promoted. That service, which perhaps we take too much for granted, is worth in the order of £600 million a year through increased crop yield in oilseed rape and the quality of various fruit and vegetables.

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
631 c116WH 
Session
2017-19
Chamber / Committee
Westminster Hall
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