Letter to Paul J. Growald and Dr. Gabriella Chavarria in support of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign

June 16, 2003

Dear Mr. Growald and Dr. Chavarria:

I am writing to express The National Grange's support for the proposed National Academy of Sciences (NAS) inventory and status assessment of North American pollinators. Bees, butterflies and other pollinator species play a critically important role in American agriculture, in producing a healthy and affordable food supply, and in sustaining ecosystem health.

I understand that two NAS Boards-Life Sciences, and Agriculture and Natural Resources-will jointly convene the study once the necessary funding has been obtained, with a committee chosen from the nation's top scientists and other experts volunteering their time to complete this 18-month study.

We hope the NAS study can help lead to an essential foundation of information about bees, butterflies and other animal pollinators, as well as pollinator-friendly practices which can be used by farmers and ranchers, other natural resource managers, and citizens in their own back yards.

The National Grange is this nation's oldest general farm and rural public interest organization. Founded in 1867, today the Grange represents over 200,000 individual Grange members affiliated with 3000 local, county and state Grange chapters throughout rural America.

I commend the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign for your collaborative efforts to increase knowledge and awareness about the importance of pollinators and pollinator-friendly practices. We look forward to working with you on this important issue.

Sincerely,

Leroy Watson, Director of Legislative Affairs
National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry