I recently joined a Senate briefing on our current understanding about pollinators and their vital role in the agricultural industry.  Our aim was both to consider ways to more effectively protect and conserve this valuable resource and to examine the recent decline in our bee population.

The decline of pollinator populations is an issue that has the potential to significantly impact the nation’s agricultural economy.  It is a complex challenge involving not only issues of conservation and agriculture but also science, ecology, national security and, of course, our economy. 

Pollinators play a crucial role in sustaining a healthy, domestically produced food supply and all the jobs that go with it.  In California, healthy pollinators play a critical role in our $42 billion a year agricultural economy, including the production of about 1.31 billion pounds of almonds. These tremendous yields would not be possible without the work of honeybees and other pollinators.  And given that nearly ALL currently existing honeybee hives will be required to pollinate the projected almond crop in 2012, it is imperative that we address further declines now.

As Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I know the importance of strong and well-funded science.  That is why I am committed to funding pollinator research.  I was pleased to write a provision included in the Senate’s version of the Farm Bill that authorizes up to $100 million over five years for pollinator research.  And I have called for the Appropriations Committee to provide $20 million in Fiscal Year 2009 for these purposes.

Effectively addressing Colony Collapse Disorder and the decline of pollinators will require the combined effort of the science, environmental, and business communities, and it is my intention to make sure that the Federal government does its part too.  If you would like to see excerpts from the Senate briefing, video is available on my Senate website by using this link.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator