Review of Bee Health

Second in a series

Without adequate numbers of bees to move pollen, crops would be far less productive, and many fruits and vegetable would not ripen as evenly or as quickly. Without complete pollination, plants produce deformed fruits and vegetables that are not marketable. Thus, bees are tiny-yet-essential workhorses on Wisconsin farms.

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New task force on pollinators

Last week, the White House announced a new Pollinator Health Task Force to focus federal efforts on research and action aimed at helping pollinators recover from their serious population decline. Vilsack along with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy will co-chair this new task force, which will focus on research, public education, and public-private partnerships to increase and improve pollinator habitats.

In a Presidential Memorandum issued by the White House last week, President Obama is directing the two agencies to also develop a National Pollinator Health Strategy, including a Pollinator Research Action Plan. Research will include the study of various stressors like pesticides, pathogens and farm management practices.