The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced plans to increase support for pollinator research through the newly formed National Pollinator Subcommittee.

In an April 6 news release, the USDA announced it is soliciting nominations for members to serve on its newly formed USDA National Pollinator Subcommittee in order to provide feedback on research, education, economic priorities and policies for supporting pollinator health.

“USDA takes very seriously our duty to protect pollinators so that they can continue to play a critical role in our food production system," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, in the release. "Pollinator species help produce more than 100 crops grown in the United States. We are keenly interested in understanding the stressors that impact pollinators, including climate change, pests, pathogens and reduced forage. We strive to ensure our research and data in this area are meeting the needs of bee managers and the farmers that rely on pollinators.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced plans to increase support for pollinator research through the newly formed National Pollinator Subcommittee. | Wikimedia Commons

Through the NAREEE Advisory Board’s Pollinator Subcommittee, the USDA will gain annual input on strategic pollinator priorities and goals and utilize pollinator health-related recommendations to strengthen USDA pollinator research efforts. The research initiatives will span five USDA mission areas, according to the news release. 

USDA seeks nominations for the subcommittee from individuals with diverse expertise across USDA's five major study areas, including status and trends; pests and pathogens; environmental stressors; forage, habitat and nutrition; and genetics and breeding.