2024 Natural Grocers Sustainability Report

PLANET

QUALITY

NUTRITION EDUCATION

COMMUNITY

CREW

ALWAYS AFFORDABLE SM PRICING

ANIMAL WELFARE

HEALTH

PEOPLE

Organic Farming Supports Pollinators

More than 75 percent of the world’s major food crops rely, at least in part, on pollination by insects. Due to the industrialization of farming practices during the mid-20th century, pollinator populations have been declining in recent decades. Monoculture farming has had a detrimental impact on biodiversity, including habitat loss for pollinators. Changes in farming practices led to the widespread use of insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides. The most widely used insecticide class globally, neonicotinoids, present a range of problems for bees, including impairing development and foraging efficiency and increasing susceptibility to diseases. Fortunately, by eating organic foods, we can support the health and stability of pollinator populations and biodiversity. Organic farms prohibit the use of synthetic

pesticides, and instead utilize integrative pest management to control harmful pests and promote healthy crop growth. By supporting pollinators with organically managed land, they can exist in more stable populations with greater biodiversity, thereby promoting the long-term health of our planet and improving the security of our food supply. For more information about pollinators and organic practices, please see For The Love of Organics: Pollinators Natural Grocers ® offers only 100% certified organic produce, and more than 50% organic across all products

14

NATURAL GROCERS ® | SUSTAINABILITY REPORT