Comments needed on Virginia’s DRAFT Plan to Mitigate Pesticide Risk to Managed Pollinators

In June of 2014, federal departments and agencies were tasked with taking new steps to reverse pollinator losses and help restore pollinator populations. To accomplish this effort, the Pollinator Health Task Force was created. Co-chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture and the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the task force included representatives from a wide variety of departments and agencies.

As part of this effort, the EPA engaged the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) in the development of a Virginia pollinator protection plan as a means of mitigating the risk of pesticides to honey bees and other managed pollinators.

Click here to read the DRAFT Plan to Mitigate Pesticide Risk to Managed Pollinators (Plan), one component of the Virginia Pollinator Protection Strategy (Strategy). The Strategy, which was enacted by the 2016 General Assembly, directs VDACS to develop and maintain a pollinator protection strategy to promote the health of and mitigate the risks to pollinator species and ensure a robust apiary industry. The Strategy shall include a protection plan for managed pollinators that provides voluntary best management practices and supports efforts to reduce risks from pesticides, increase habitat, and take other steps to protect pollinators.

An advisory committee composed of 20 stakeholders is providing input on critical issues of the plan. Beekeepers are represented by Mike Church, Pam Fisher and Mike Sandridge. Please feel free to contact the beekeeping members of the advisory committee with your suggestions.