CropLife America applauds House leadership for response to pollinator health strategy

CropLife America (CLA) applauded the leadership of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research for their Wednesday hearing to review the federal coordination plan and response regarding the upcoming release of the White House National Pollinator Health Strategy.

Members of the committee and witnesses highlighted the multiple factors affecting bee health and the need for a harmonized response from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the two coordinating agencies for the White House Pollinator Task Force, which also includes a number of other federal agencies, including the Department of Defense and the Department of the Interior.

CLA President and CEO Jay Vroom said the hearing highlighted the importance of unified policies and the need for strong communication between USDA and EPA.

“Agriculture is a large contributor of our country’s economy,” Vroom said. “We must ensure that farmers have the tools they need to grow crops while addressing the many factors that affect pollinators. We look forward to working with beekeepers, policy makers and other stakeholders to safeguard our nation’s pollinators and keep the agriculture sector strong.”

Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) said in his opening statement that neonicotinoid insecticides are highly effective and offer significant benefits.

“It is frustrating that efforts to innovate and employ new, proven technologies to enhance our ability to produce food, feed and fiber are constantly under attack,” he said.