LANSING – The Michigan House this week adopted a resolution sponsored by State Representative Jeff Mayes (D-Bay City) recognizing the value of conservation efforts aimed at protecting pollinator populations by designating June 21 through 27, 2009, as "Michigan Pollinator Week."
"Agriculture is one of the few industries in Michigan that is growing right now and we must ensure that these jobs in Bay County and across Michigan are protected," said Mayes, the former Chair of the House Agriculture Committee. "Though people don't pay bees and butterflies much mind, their impact on our economy and the global food web is enormous. By raising awareness of their importance to Michigan agriculture, I hope we can spur efforts to protect pollinators."
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), an estimated one out of every three bites of food consumed in the United States results from pollination, with more than $15 billion in crop value being added to the nation's food supply as result. Approximately three quarters of all flowering plants rely on these animals to pollinate them.
Mayes' resolution applauds efforts to protect and preserve pollinator populations and encourages farmers to use fertilizers and other products that will not be harmful to pollinators.
"By being good stewards of the land, we can ensure that Michigan crops remain strong and vibrant for years to come," Mayes said. "The important role that pollinators play in the food chain should not be discounted nor forgotten as we move forward on efforts to grow Michigan's agricultural sector."