Idaho Honey Bee Awareness Day is August 22nd

WHEREAS, the honey bee is critical to the process of pollination, with one bite of food in three benefitting either directly or indirectly from honey bee pollination; and
WHEREAS, segments of the Idaho agriculture economy are dependent upon pollination
efforts of the honey bee; and
WHEREAS, honey bees face a significant threat from colony collapse disorder, disease, pathogens, parasites, environmental stress, loss of natural habitat, and inappropriate use of pesticides and herbicides, among other factors; and
WHEREAS, the honey bee works together with other bees in the colony as a single,
vibrant, living organism that helps to maintain healthy ecosystems,· and
WHEREAS, many individuals and agencies including federal, state, universities, industry, commercial, and hobbyist beekeepers, and additional partners are working in cooperation to find ways to improve honey bee health and habitat,·
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CL. "BUTCH" OTTER, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim August 22, 2015 to be IDAHO HONEY BEE AWARENESS DAY