Many states across the country are preparing Pollinator Protection Plans in response President Obama's memorandum in June 2014 requesting an interagency Task Force to create a "Strategy to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators".
I am honored to be selected to serve on the Vermont Pollinator Protection Committee that was formed this September, 2016, as representing vegetable farmers along with our close friend, John Hayden of The Farm Between, representing tree fruit farmers.
For those interested in following our work:
http://agriculture.vermont.gov/food_safety_consumer_protection/apiary/pollinator-protection
The following outlines our tasks.
1) Evaluate the status in Vermont of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s five pillars of pollinator health. The five pillars of pollinator health are: pollinator biology; nutrition and habitat; pathogens and pests; pesticide use; and genetics and breeding.
2) Evaluate the effectiveness of pesticide applicator licensing and other pesticide requirements in the State in protecting pollinator health.
3) Evaluate other state or international pesticide regulations that are more protective of pollinator health than the pesticide regulations of Vermont or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
4) Study available education and outreach plans from other states that have been successful in increasing public awareness of pollinator health issues.
5) Evaluate best management practices for application of neonicotinoid pesticides in a manner that avoids harm to pollinators.
6) Identify possible sources of funds for use in the protection of pollinator health.
7) Consider the requirements in 2015 Acts and Resolves No. 64 (State Clean Water Act) regarding buffers along State waters and whether and how areas in buffers or other areas that require perennial vegetation should be encouraged for use as pollinator forage zones or pollinator growing areas.
8) Develop a State pollinator protection plan using the framework and critical elements from the Association of American Pesticide Control Officials Pollinator Protection Plan guidance.