For the fist time in Farm Bill history, language specific to pollinator conservation was included as a crucial piece of crop (and thus food) security. In fact, four bills focused on our ailing pollinators were introduced in the 2007 legislative sessison. These bills were combined and included in the 2008 Farm Bill, providing protection for pollinator habitat and funding to tackle threats, including Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).

Specifically, the 2008 Farm Bill:

• makes pollinators and their habitat a priority for every USDA land manager and conservationist;
• provides $10 million per year for the next five years for grants to support research into honey bee and native bee biology, CCD, toxicology, pathology, bee ecology, and physiology;
• provides $2.75 million per year for the next five years for honey bee inspections and surveillance;
• amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act and the Trade Act of 1974 to ensure insurance and disaster assistance for beekeepers.

The funding language isn't mandatory, meaning it still has to go through an appropriations process. But pollinator advocates and some industry groups and legislators are hopeful that Congress will see the vital importance of these provisions in the Farm Bill and fully fund the proposed programs.

More details can be found in this fact sheet, the 2008 Farm Bill: Benefits to Crop Pollinators.

Source: Xerces Society

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