Young Living highlights research into pollinator-friendly agricultural practices to promote bee diversity in honor of Earth Day

Lehi, Utah, April 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Young Living essential oils, a global leader in essential oils and oil-infused wellness products, is celebrating Earth Day on April 22 by highlighting how their pollinator-friendly agricultural practices promote bee diversity. The studyrecently published in the scientific journal Diversity, marks the first comprehensive study conducted in North America on bees visiting lavender. Conducted from May to October 2022 in the Mount Nebo Botanical Farm and Distillery in Utah, this study sheds light on lavender’s role in supporting a wide variety of bee species and shows how responsible agricultural practices can promote robust bee communities.

Tyler Wilson, Senior Scientist at Young Living Essential Oils, highlighted the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainable agricultural practices and responsible product promotion. “Young Living farms serve as a testament to the symbiotic relationship that can exist between agriculture and biodiversity,” Wilson explains. “Our commitment goes beyond just high-quality products; it is about the way we cultivate them, our reverence for nature and our unwavering commitment to improving our already exemplary agricultural practices.”

Planting lavender is often recommended to support pollinators, but there is limited knowledge about which bee species visit lavender, especially in western North America. The study is one of the first attempts to compile a comprehensive list of bee species attracted to lavender in the region.

The main objectives of the study were to document bee diversity at the Mount Nebo Botanical Farm and Distillery and to investigate which bee species are attracted to the farm’s flagship, lavender. Using meticulous sampling techniques, researchers targeted wild bees in 34 different plant species and locations, using aerial nets to collect bees directly from flowers. Each data entry included details such as location of bee collection, date of collection, and observed flower visitation.

Key findings from the study include:

• Rich bee diversity: A total of 566 bee specimens were collected, representing 68 different species. Many of these bee species differed from each other, underscoring the farm’s status as a refuge for diverse bee communities.
• Lavender works as a bee magnet: Among the numerous flower species on the farm, lavender emerged as the main attractant, with 149 bees collected from cultivated lavender fields across 32 different species.
• Awareness of pollinator-friendly agricultural practices: The study highlights the importance of agricultural lands, especially those that implement pollinator-friendly agricultural practices such as Young Living, in supporting diverse bee communities. These practices include diversifying crops, not using pesticides, conserving land, and providing space for breeding grounds.
• Nature conservation land as an oasis: Of the 68 bee species collected, 29 were found in the protected area and 59 species in the cultivated agricultural area. These findings suggest that both areas play a crucial role in maintaining diverse bee communities. Conservation plots, designed to mimic natural habitats (land undisturbed by machinery, exposed soil, abundance of native grasses, flowers, shrubs, trees, dead trees, etc.), serve as breeding grounds. The proximity to cultivated farmland allows bees to forage anywhere on the farm.
• Nectar vs Pollen Collection: Most bees collected on lavender were male (103 males, 46 females). These data may indicate that lavender plays an important role as a nectar source for bees on the farm and is not just used for pollen collection.

“At Young Living, we are pioneers who continually push the boundaries of what is possible,” said Jacob Young, Director of Business Development at Young Living and co-author of the study. “Our research has attracted the interest of scientists around the world and fostered potential collaborations. There is still so much to learn and discover, especially regarding the crucial role bees play in the quality of our essential oils.”

By providing valuable baseline data for future pollinator studies and insights into conservation bee behavior, Young Living is propelling the field toward a deeper understanding of bee biodiversity and conservation efforts related to agricultural landscapes. Through the harmonious coexistence of lavender and bees, Young Living exemplifies its commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.

Discover one video showcasing the various efforts taking place in Young Living’s lavender fields to promote bee diversity. Plus, stay connected with #YLEarthMonth on social media to discover ways you can support the bees in your own backyard.

To learn more about Young Living’s lavender essential oil and farms, visit www.youngliving.com/us/en/product/lavender-essential-oil.

About Young Living essential oils

Young Living essential oilsBased in Lehi, Utah, LC is the world leader in essential oils, offering the highest quality oil-infused products available. Young Living takes its industry leadership seriously and sets the standard with its patented Seed to Seal® quality commitment. This guiding principle helps Young Living protect the planet and deliver authentic products that its brand partners and customers can use with confidence and share with friends and family. Young Living’s products – sourced from corporate-owned farms, partner farms and other trusted suppliers – not only support healthy lifestyles, but also provide opportunities for customers to find a sense of purpose and wellness for life through their lives. align work with Young Living products. values ​​and passions. For more information visit YoungLiving.comto follow @jongleven on Instagram, or like us on Facebook.

• Earth Day 2024 – Young Living