1、 https:/crsreports.congress.gov September 14, 2015The Administrations National Pollinator StrategyPollinatorsincluding bees, butterflies, bats, birds, and other animal speciesare not only important ecologically but also play an important role in global food production. Pollination contributes to the
2、 production of diverse high-value products, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, forage crops, and other crops. Worldwide, the contribution of pollinators to global food production is valued at about $190 billion each year. In the United States, the value of insect pollination to U.S. crop produ
3、ction is estimated at $15 billion annually. Given the importance of bees and other types of pollinators to food production, many have expressed concern about whether a “pollinator crisis” is occurring. Recent concern began in 2006, when commercial beekeepers reported sharp declines in managed honey
4、bee colonies. While some losses due to pests, parasites, and disease are common, higher-than-expected loss rates continue to be observed. In 2014, domestic commercial beekeepers reported losing approximately 40% of their honey bee colonies. Eastern monarch butterfly populations that overwinter in Me
