WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2013- A group of environmental and agricultural groups appealed to senators involved in the farm bill conference to include a provision to protect pollinators in the final bill.
The pollinator provision, Sec. 11315 of the House farm bill, creates a USDA task force on bee health and provides for the reporting on the health and population statue of native pollinators, among other provisions.
Reps. Alcee Hastings, D-Flor., and Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, offered Sec. 11315 to the farm bill and it passed by a 273-149 vote. Sen. Barbara Boxer offered a nearly identical amendment offered by Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., to the Senate farm bill that did not receive a vote.
According to the groups, this pollinator provision would be a significant step towards ensuring the long-term viability of populations of honey bees, wild bees, and other beneficial pollinators.
To view the letter sent today, click here.
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