WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton last month called on her colleagues on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development and Related Agencies to address the rapid decline in honeybee colonies in New York State and nationwide in the upcoming Farm Bill and Agricultural Appropriations Bill. In letters to both Committees, Senator Clinton pointed out that Colony Collapse Disorder that is decimating bee populations, has the potential to impact honey producers and fruit growers across the state and the nation.

“This is an unexplained crisis that threatens our honey producers and has already led to massive losses of bees and bee colonies. Not only will this impact the honey industry, it also has the potential to impact our fruit growers who need bees for pollination. I hope that we can address this issue in the upcoming Farm and Agricultural Appropriations Bills and take whatever action is needed to help our honey producers and prevent this situation from becoming even worse,” Clinton said.