USDA seeks pollinator experts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday announced that it is looking for people to serve on a new committee intended to direct future pollinator research.

According to a press release, the agency has formed a National Pollinator Subcommittee as part of it National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education and Economics Advisory Board, which advises the USDA secretary, the department’s research agencies and university collaborators regarding agricultural and food research, education, extension and economic policies and priorities.

USDA is looking for nominations to fill the seven seats on the National Pollinator Subcommittee, the press release said, with an eye toward attracting future board members with a variety of pollinator-related expertise. The related knowledge and skills include current trends in pollinator health, environmental stressors, pests and pathogens, habitat and forage as well as genetics and breeding.

The board is seeking nominations until May 31. Nominations may be submitted by email to nareee@usda.gov. For more information on the nomination process, please see the board’s website at nareeeab.ree.usda.gov/nominations. For more information on USDA pollinator research, visit www.usda.gov/pollinators.