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House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	January 10, 2023 06:03 PM
From:	Representative Christopher M. Rabb
To:	All House members
Subject:	Establishing a Pollinator Task Force

Pennsylvania is home to hundreds of species of pollinators, including beetles, butterflies, flies, moths, and over 500 species of bees. In addition, Pennsylvania has one of the most diverse cropping systems in the United States, producing a wide variety of fruit and vegetables that directly benefit from the services provided by pollinators. In total, these crops annually contribute roughly $260 million to Pennsylvania’s economy.   Unfortunately, pollinator populations continue to experience a decline. In recent years, beekeepers have reported bee population losses of over 50 percent in Pennsylvania and beyond. In addition, 51 species of butterflies, 111 species of moths, and 3 species of bumble bees are now considered to be at risk. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, an affiliated group of the United Nations, has warned that without a concerted and collaborative international effort, a large number of pollinators could face extinction, which would directly impact global food production.   To address these concerns, I will be reintroducing legislation (formerly HB 2881) that would establish a Pollinator Task Force that would work in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, other state departments and agencies, and representatives of the agriculture industry, registered apiaries, academic institutions, conservation organizations, and other groups to collect information, study policies and practices that promote the protection of pollinators, and develop recommendations for supporting pollinator populations.   Through this legislation, I believe we can work in a bipartisan manner to not only better understand the challenges facing pollinators, but to help bolster populations of these necessary species.    Please join me in sponsoring this important legislation.

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