Ederers Dairy Supply



Wisconsin Ag News Headlines
Wisconsin to Get Funding to Boost Honey Bee Health
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 10/30/2014

Five Midwestern states will share $4 million in technical and financial assistance to help farmers improve the health of honey bees, which play an important role in crop production. The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service is focusing the effort on Wisconsin, along with Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

The agency says the initiative builds on a $3 million pilot investment in fiscal 2014. The pilot is being renewed and expanded in fiscal 2015 in response to its early successes and continued high levels of interest.

"The future of America's food supply depends on honey bees as an estimated $15 billion worth of crops is pollinated by honey bees, including more than 130 fruits and vegetables," said State Conservationist Jimmy Bramblett. "This effort is one way NRCS is helping improve the health of honey bee populations. We need to continue to work to combat the current, unprecedented loss of honey bee hives each year."

Funding will be provided to producers through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to plan and promote habitat that will provide nutritious pollen and nectar while providing benefits to the environment. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis at local USDA service centers. In Wisconsin, applications received by December 19 will be ranked for funding in 2015.

Bramblett says the assistance will provide guidance and support to farmers and ranchers to implement conservation practices that will provide safe and diverse food sources for honey bees.


Other Wisconsin Headlines
International Protein Sires
Professional Dairy Producers Foundation
Copyright © 2024 - Farms.com. All Rights Reserved.