By Blake Jackson
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball recently spotlighted key initiatives the state has undertaken to safeguard pollinators, marking the conclusion of National Pollinator Week, held from June 16-22, 2025.
Pollinators play a vital role in agriculture, with their services contributing an estimated $469.8 million to New York’s crop production annually and adding $29 billion nationwide.
Crops such as apples, cherries, strawberries, pumpkins, and squash rely significantly on pollinators like bees and butterflies.
“New York has long been leading the charge in protections for the unsung heroes of agriculture: pollinators. Pollinators like honeybees, butterflies, birds, and more are essential to the production of so much of the food we eat and are truly our partners in industry," said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball.
"This week, I’m proud to share how far New York State has come in achieving its goals to protect our honey bees and other pollinators as well as the additional actions we can take to keep New York State moving forward. Together with our fellow agencies and our partners at Cornell, we are committed to conserving and growing our pollinator populations to ensure the future of agriculture and our environment.”
Since launching its Pollinator Protection Plan in 2015, the state has introduced multiple programs to support honeybee health. Among them is a beekeeper registration initiative, launched in 2022 by the Department of Agriculture and Markets.
The program has since registered 2,660 beekeepers managing nearly 89,470 colonies across New York. It also tracks colony movements and queen sales, helping ensure colony health and regulatory compliance. Registration is free and must be renewed annually.
Additionally, the NYS Beekeeper Tech Team, developed in collaboration with Cornell University, continues to support beekeepers by improving colony health and reducing losses.
Now in its tenth year, the team has worked with 99 beekeepers and collected data from over 2,100 colonies. Annual evaluations of 250-300 colonies show participants experience a 6% average reduction in losses. The team identified Varroa mites as the primary cause of colony decline, and participating beekeepers have seen a 24% average drop in Parasitic Mite Syndrome.
Photo Credit: istock-kerem-hanci
Categories: New York, General