Panel advances Space bee bill

A package of bills citing the importance of bees to the state’s agriculture industry received Assembly Agriculture Committee approval by a 5-0 vote.
Sponsored by Assemblymen Ron Dancer and Parker Space, the bill designates the common eastern bumble bee as the state native pollinator. The second bill provides a habitat for native bees and other pollinators in state parks and forests. The third bill establishes the "Healthy Pollinators Task Force." The fourth measure, AR216, encourages homeowners to plant native plants that support bees and other pollinators.
“The common eastern bumble bee is native to the Garden State and an important general pollinator for a wide range of crops our state is known for, including blueberries, cranberries, tomatoes and peppers,” said Dancer. “It’s considered one of the most important species of pollinator bees in North America.”
“These bees are extremely adaptable,” said Space whose family is well-known for its long-standing agricultural commitment in Sussex County that spans eight generations. “They can live in the country, suburbs, and urban cities, making them the perfect species to be named New Jersey’s native pollinator.”
Dancer said the key to a successful agriculture industry in New Jersey is a healthy bee industry. The state’s 20,000 bee colonies represent a $7 million honey bee industry that contributes to the production of nearly $200 million worth of fruits and vegetables annually.
“Providing nesting areas and habitats for bees helps us preserve our bee population which is vital to our agriculture industry,” said Dancer, “New Jersey’s state parks and forests are the perfect environment for nesting.
“Bees are crucial to our food chain, yet the public knows very little about their importance,” he continued. “Encouraging homeowners to plant native plants will help keep bees healthy and thriving.”