Governor Cuomo Announces Taskforce to Develop Pollinator Protection Plan to Protect New York's Agricultural Economy
Agency Heads to Tackle Recovery of Pollinator Populations Vital to State’s Crop Industry and Food Production
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced that New York State will establish
an interagency taskforce to develop a Pollinator Protection Plan to promote
the health and recovery of pollinator populations in New York State. Pollinators
– which include various types of bees and butterflies – contribute
significantly to the state’s agricultural economy by adding roughly
$500 million in pollination services on an annual basis. To address the
alarming decline in pollinators that has occurred in recent years, the
Governor has directed the Commissioners of the Department of Agriculture
and Markets and the Department of Environmental Conservation to meet with
farmers, research institutions and key industry leaders to develop a roadmap
to conserve and grow pollinator populations across the state.
“Pollinators are crucial to the health of New York’s environment,
as well as the strength of our agricultural economy,” Governor Cuomo
said. “By developing a statewide action plan, we are expanding our
efforts to protect these species and our unparalleled natural resources,
and making an important step forward in our commitment to New York’s
ecological and economic future.”
This announcement is in honor of Earth Week, April 19-25, which Governor
Cuomo proclaimed as a weeklong celebration of New York’s commitment
and accomplishments to protecting our environment, conserving open space,
increasing access to the state’s vast and magnificent natural resources,
implementing clean energy initiatives and preparing for the effects of
climate change.
Pollinators contribute substantially to the State’s economy by providing
$500 million worth of pollination services to New York annually, and adding
$15 billion in value to crop production nationally each year, according
the USDA. New York’s ability to produce crops such as apples, cherries,
onions, pumpkins and cauliflower relies heavily on the presence of pollinators.
Over the last 50 years, the number of pollinators, including honey bees,
native bees, bats and butterflies, has dropped significantly. Scientists
believe many of these losses are caused by a combination of factors such
as poor nutrition, loss of foraging habitat, parasites, pesticides, pathogens,
lack of genetic diversity and poor land management practices.
Richard A. Ball, New York State Commissioner of Agriculture, said: “As
a farmer, I know that pollinators play a critical role in our state’s
abundant food supply. Governor Cuomo’s plan will provide added protection
for these vital actors in our ecosystem. I look forward to the hard work
of finding solutions to this serious issue.”
Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens said:
“Protecting and preserving pollinator populations across New York
is not just beneficial from an environmental and agricultural standpoint,
it also contributes to sustaining a healthy economy. I applaud Governor
Cuomo’s plan to find out what is causing these steep declines and
look forward to helping in the efforts to find meaningful solutions, as
it is essential that we protect these species.”
In developing the Pollinator Protection Plan, the taskforce will examine
and review a wide range of items, including:
- forming partnerships with research institutions to expand the collection and sharing of data related to pollinator health issues
- fostering cross-sector (beekeepers, landowners and pesticide applicators) information sharing and coordinated efforts;
- developing strategies for a public education and engagement campaign;
- identify habitat enhancement projects, including foraging opportunities
- developing best management practices for landowners, state agencies, pesticide applicators and beekeepers;
- evaluating the effectiveness of New York’s programs, certifications and incentives related to pollinator health; and
- developing public-private partnerships.
The Pollinator Protection Plan will be developed based on the key findings
and agreements achieved by the taskforce and will seek to improve the
State’s information on the status of pollinators and identify reasonable
measurements to conserve their populations.
Kathryn Boor, Cornell University's Ronald P. Lynch Dean of the College
of Agriculture and Life Sciences, said: “On behalf of the Cornell
University faculty and Cornell Cooperative Extension educators and staff
whose research and expertise focus on these important topics, we appreciate
the leadership of New York State in establishing this taskforce. Pollinators
underpin agriculture, and their health is essential for successful food
systems. We look forward to collaborating closely with the State on these
critical issues.”
The plan will build upon New York’s leading effort to promote the
health of pollinators, such as a number of measures already adopted that
go well beyond federal requirements, including best land management practices
that enhance foraging habitats, encourage pollinator friendly planting
and use of natural forms of pest management to the maximum extent on state
lands. In addition, the current State Budget includes $50,000 to Cornell
University for honey bee research as well as $500,000 for Cornell’s
Integrated Pest Management Program.
The Department of Agriculture and Markets also employs a State Apiculturist,
who oversees apiary inspections of commercial beekeepers throughout the
state and coordination of statewide honey bee health monitoring. The State
Apiculturist also coordinates participation in the National Honey Bee
Survey, which is designed to monitor honey bee health on a national scale.
The USDA has provided New York with $12,000 in 2015 for survey related
activities.
Richard Schrader, New York Political and Legislative Director for the
Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), said: “Bees and butterflies
play a vital role in New York’s economy. Bees pollinate one-in-three
mouthfuls in the American diet and many of New York’s most profitable
crops – from apples to raspberries. This taskforce can help New
York become a national leader in cutting-edge solutions to safeguard pollinators
that keep the agricultural economy growing.”
Erin Crotty, Executive Director of Audubon New York, said: “We commend
Governor Cuomo and Commissioners Martens and Ball for launching this important
initiative to create a pollinator protection plan for New York. The decline
in insect pollinators, including birds, is a threat to our agricultural
industry and the integrity of all New York’s ecosystems. Everyone
can play a role in pollinator protection and we appreciate that the taskforce
will develop strategies to enhance the habitats that support our pollinators
while inspiring state residents and landowners to make smart decisions
in their own backyards.”
Dean Norton, President of the New York Farm Bureau, said: “Bees
are essential to farming in this state both in providing pollination and
for honey production. It is imperative that we have a better understanding
of the issues facing bees in New York, and we look forward to partnering
with Governor Cuomo’s Task Force and fellow stakeholders in safeguarding
this important natural resource.”