Flowers, Bees, and Biodiversity at Fazenda BELLA

Flowers play a crucial role in promoting biodiversity and attracting insects on our farm. There are many reasons that encouraged us to introduce more flowers at Fazenda BELLA:

• Food for pollinating insects: Flowers provide nectar and pollen, which are essential food sources for many insects, including bees, butterflies, beetles, and other pollinators. These insects play a fundamental role in pollinating our acerola, passion fruit, medicinal herbs, and other crops grown on the farm.
• Promotion of pollination: The presence of flowers on our farm has increased both the diversity and density of pollinators, improving pollination efficiency across our crops. We have observed higher yields and better quality in our acerola and other crops as a result.
• Natural pest control: Some flowers attract predatory and parasitic insects that feed on agricultural pests, helping to naturally control unwanted insect populations. We have identified many beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, which feed on aphids.
• Soil improvement: Flowers can also contribute to soil health by promoting microbial activity and, in some cases, nitrogen fixation through symbiosis with bacteria in their root systems. This supports soil fertility and healthy crop growth.
• Attraction of birds and other animals: Beyond insects, flowers can also attract birds, bats, and other animals that feed on nectar, pollen, or insects. We have already noticed an increase in both the number and variety of animals on the farm, which is clear evidence of growing biodiversity at Fazenda BELLA.
• Aesthetic beauty and well-being: In addition to their functional benefits, flowers enhance the beauty of the agricultural landscape, creating pleasant environments for farm workers and visitors. Contact with nature and the presence of flowers can promote mental and emotional well-being for those who live and work on the farm.

In summary, growing flowers at Fazenda BELLA has become a key strategy to promote biodiversity, increase agricultural productivity, and create healthier, more sustainable environments for all living beings involved.

Beyond flowers, we have also installed beehives for native stingless Jataí bees and placed hollowed wooden logs throughout the property, providing shelter for other native bee species—so they too can make Fazenda BELLA their home.