Advantages for farmers and beekeepers of introducing flowering fallows in field crop zones

Bees, honey bee populations, and honey production in Europe, have recently exhibited signs of weakness and decrease. These observations underline the risk which overall pollinator insect populations are currently running. Preserving their habitat is a key aspect that has never been dealt with. The fallow area strategy initiated by the European common agricultural policy might be an opportunity for apiculture and more generally for the conservation of pollinator insects. Appropriately sown, these agricultural surfaces could offer various sources of nectar and pollen. Agro-environmental fallows have positive impacts on insect populations by giving them habitat and food. They are also favourable to water quality by reducing nitrogen leaching and to landscapes by providing long blooming periods. As a result of European regulations, fallow areas are to be spontaneously or artificially sown. Allowed species are recorded in a list which can be modified at regional scale. In France, specific Clauses have been generated based on the general framework in order to meet particular situations: fallows intended to preserve biodiversity and protect water quality. However, European rules and regulations as well as agricultural practices regarding fallows must evolve in order to help insect populations to develop Sowing fallow areas with melliferous and polleniferous species would be a good contribution from Europe and France to the promotion of beekeeping and to the protection of biodiversity.