Prioritizing Colony Collapse Disorder Research

Floor Speech

PRIORITIZING COLONY COLLAPSE DISORDER RESEARCH

* Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the ``Pollinator Protection Act.'' This legislation reflects my deep concern for the future of agriculture in this country by authorizing funding to confront the drastic decline of North American pollinators.

* Madam Speaker, an alarming number of honey bee colonies have experienced irregular die offs throughout the United States in recent years. This phenomenon has been recently termed ``Colony Collapse Disorder'' because of its lack of recognizable underlying cause. This legislation that I introduce today will prioritize addressing Colony Collapse Disorder to protect the viability of American farmers.

* This legislation is crucial because the security of food production is in jeopardy when there is a threat to the lives of honey bees. These little pollinators are a keystone species in their responsibility for the pollination of one-third of the crops that we consume. More specifically, pollination by honey bees promotes healthy growth and adds over $15 billion annually to the value of U.S. crops.

* Madam Speaker, the number of honey bee colonies throughout North America has gradually declined in recent decades due to parasites, pathogens, toxins and a host of other environmental factors. However, this rate of decline has increased significantly with the emergence of Colony Collapse Disorder. If the current rate of decline continues, the United States will be forced to rely more heavily on imported foods. This destabilization of American food security would have adverse effects on the availability, price, and quality of the many fruits, vegetables, and other products that depend on animal pollination.

* I am proud of the vibrant variety of produce and citrus my district contributes to our Nation's food supply. However, this is an issue that not only impacts Floridians, but all citizens throughout this Nation. This is why I am honored that the Florida Department of Agriculture has contributed significantly to addressing Colony Collapse Disorder through the work of Jerry Hayes, Assistant Chief of the Bureau of Plant and Apiary Inspection. Mr. Hayes has contributed significantly to the Colony Collapse Disorder Working Group and I commend his effort along with those of his colleagues at the Pennsylvania State University, the United States Department of Agriculture--Agricultural Research Service, Bee Alert Technology, Inc., North Carolina State University, and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

* Madam Speaker, it is necessary to provide funding to sustain the vital research of the Colony Collapse Disorder Working Group and the United States Department of Agriculture. As a former member of the Committee on Science and a graduate of Fisk University with an undergraduate degree in Zoology, I understand the value of their critical research. More specifically, this legislation will authorize immediate funding for laboratories conducting agricultural research at United States Department of Agriculture facilities as well as a reserve of $10,000,000 for cooperative state research, education, and extension service grants to conduct relevant research to protect American agriculture. This legislation also authorizes $5,250,000 over five years to conduct research specifically on Colony Collapse Disorder in the many affected States.

* Madam Speaker, it is vital that this Congress takes on the task of supporting the work of the Colony Collapse Disorder Working Group. I would like to commend my colleague Chairman Cardoza of the Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture for taking up this charge by calling for a hearing on ``Honey Bee Decline'' this upcoming Thursday, March 29, 2007. I hope that the Pollinator Protection Act that I introduce today will aid in this cause and urge this Congress to prioritize this effort. I look forward to working with Chairman Cardoza on this issue and offer my utmost support for restoring stability to honey bee pollinated agriculture in this great Nation.

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