Joe Bischoff

Pollinator health dominated regulatory discussions in 2014 and will continue to do so in 2015. Expect to see another busy year of regulatory changes and research.

In late November, AmericanHort and SAF submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the Obama administration’s Pollinator Health Task Force. AmericanHort is urging the task force to remain focused on their original mission and to rely on credible scientific evidence.

The Horticulture Industry Pollinator Stewardship Task Force has developed an agenda to signal to researchers the kinds of targeted research projects the industry wishes to support.

AmericanHort recently participated in the USDA Honeybee Forage Summit and the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC) along with representatives from other interested agencies and organizations. A research proposal was submitted on the final day of the NAPPC meeting to the USDA for potential funding under the Farm Bill Section 10007.

Through increases in forage and habitat for bees, as well as good stewardship in using insecticides, our industry can be part of the solution.

Take this quick industry survey to help gauge the economic impact of these tools, and inform regulators about their value.

Dr. Joe Bischoff, AmericanHort’s director of regulatory and legislative affairs, says it is important that we are informed and prepared to talk about the issue of pesticides, pollinators and the overarching concerns of bee health in a calm and clear manner. This is a topic where emotions can run high, and part of our role should be in explaining the need for balance and scientifically based solutions.