HARRISBURG – Legislation is being drafted by Philadelphia County Rep. Chris Rabb to establish a pollinator task force, which would study policies and practices that serve to best protect pollinators and develop recommendations based on that information. The task force would be a collaboration between the PA Department of Agriculture, various state departments and agencies, ag-industry representatives, registered apiaries, academic institutions, conservation organizations and data collection groups. Rabb said pollinator populations continue to experience a decline. In recent years, beekeepers have reported bee population losses of over 50% in PA and beyond, In addition, 51 species of butterflies, 111 species of moths and three species of bumble bees are considered at risk. PA is home to hundreds of species of pollinators, such as beetles, butterflies, flies, moths, and bees. Those pollinators contribute to the state’s diverse cropping systems, which produce a variety of fruits and vegetables. Experts warn that without a concerted and collaborative international effort, many pollinators could face extinction, which would directly impact global food production.
REP. CHRIS RABB