Episode 412: Cameron Newell
Nov 04, 2026
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Summary:
In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes Cameron Newell, Program Manager for Be Better Certified, to explore how pollinator conservation is transforming farming practices and contributing to a more sustainable food system. As a certification focused on protecting pollinators and other beneficial insects, Be Better Certified helps growers implement on-farm practices that support biodiversity while improving agricultural sustainability and profitability.
Cameron explains how Be Better Certified evaluates farms, with an emphasis on permanent habitat, diverse native plants, cover crops, and integrated pest management. These practices help provide pollinators with essential resources throughout the growing season while supporting beneficial insects that naturally control pests. He also shares findings from a five-year USDA Conservation Innovation Grant that demonstrated measurable benefits associated with these practices, including increases in pollinator populations, improvements in soil health, and greater water infiltration.
The conversation also explores the relationship between pollinator conservation and regenerative agriculture. Cameron explains how establishing native plant habitats and incorporating conservation practices into farming systems can improve soil conditions, reduce water usage, and help growers manage pests with fewer chemical inputs. These benefits can translate into meaningful cost savings for farmers, reinforcing the importance of making sustainability both environmentally responsible and economically viable.
Lori and Cameron also discuss the growing influence of retailers and consumer demand in advancing pollinator-friendly farming, the importance of credible certifications in an increasingly crowded marketplace, and how shoppers can encourage more sustainable sourcing practices. Throughout the conversation, one message remains clear: protecting pollinators is not just about saving bees. It is about supporting farmers, strengthening agricultural ecosystems, and building a more resilient food system for generations to come.
Takeaways:
- Be Better Certified is a pollinator-focused certification developed to establish rigorous, trustworthy standards for conservation practices on farms.
- Permanent habitat featuring diverse native plants provides pollinators with food and resources throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
- Cover crops, habitat plantings, and integrated pest management help support pollinators and beneficial insects while improving farm ecosystems.
- A five-year USDA Conservation Innovation Grant demonstrated measurable benefits associated with pollinator-friendly farming practices, including increases in pollinator populations and beneficial insects.
- Pollinator conservation practices can improve soil health, increase carbon sequestration, enhance water infiltration, and support invertebrate populations both above and below ground.
- Beneficial insects can help control agricultural pests naturally, potentially reducing the need for chemical pest control and lowering input costs for farmers.
- Healthier soils and improved moisture retention can help growers use less water while supporting long-term farm productivity.
- Be Better Certified aligns with regenerative agriculture through practices such as cover cropping, understory planting, integrated pest management, and establishing permanent habitat.
- Managed honeybees remain essential for many crops and larger farming operations. Native habitat can complement existing pollination strategies rather than necessarily replace them.
- Retailer sourcing policies and growing consumer awareness are creating new opportunities for pollinator-friendly farming practices across the produce industry.
- Consumers can support pollinator conservation by purchasing certified products when available and asking grocery stores, produce departments, and farmers about their pollinator-friendly sourcing practices.
- Sustainable agriculture must deliver environmental benefits while also supporting farmers’ financial success, ensuring farms remain productive and viable for future generations.
Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Cameron Newell
00:58 – What Makes a Farm Pollinator-Friendly?
02:22 – Why Be Better Certified Matters in a Crowded Certification Marketplace
03:00 – The Environmental & Financial Benefits of Pollinator Conservation
06:35 – The History of Be Better Certified & Growing Industry Demand
08:33 – Consumer Awareness, Retailer Sourcing & Pollinator Protection
11:13 – The Role of Pollinators in Produce Production
12:07 – Native Habitat, Managed Honeybees & Crop Pollination
13:02 – Be Better Certified & The Future of Regenerative Agriculture
15:33 – How Consumers Can Support Pollinator-Friendly Farming
18:25 – Why Education & Awareness Are the First Steps
20:33 – Final Thoughts on Pollinator Conservation & Sustainable Farming
Resources:
Website: Be Better Certified – https://www.bebettercertified.org/
Organization: Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation – https://www.xerces.org/
