Native plantings for beneficial insects in Canterbury: scoping and researching economic, environmental, and social benefits in a simplified agricultural landscape

Loss of remnant vegetation and landscape complexity through agricultural intensification reduces the abundance and diversity of beneficial insects such as pollinators and natural enemies of pests (predators/parasitoids). The Canterbury Plains (CP), New Zealand, is a highly intensified agricultural region that has lost almost all remnant native woody vegetation. Establishing native semi-natural habitat (SNH) designed to increase the abundance and diversity of beneficial insects could offer farmers opportunity to reduce pest damage to crops and pastures, reduce insecticide use, and improve yields through increased pollination. While it is currently challenging to estimate the full potential benefits of establishing native SNH on CP farms, simple calculations suggest that eliminating just one insecticide application across frequently treated crops could save farmers over $NZ24.1 million p.a. collectively. We also calculate that CP farmers could potentially save more than $39.9 million p.a. through increased yields if pollination deficits could be eliminated. Designed native SNH may also deliver environmental benefits if it can support the functional service of beneficial insects and mitigate environmental effects such as climate change. Moreover, if economic and environmental benefits can be demonstrated, the transfer of this information to farmers and the broader community could increase knowledge and appreciation of native SNH that supports diverse beneficial insects. Here we outline research to evaluate the economic, environmental, and social benefits of insect-mediated ecosystem service contributions (pollination, pest suppression) across CP arable, dairy, sheep, and beef farms. The research partners include industry bodies, local and regional councils, and restoration trusts responsible for delivering knowledge to farmers and broader community catchment groups.