VDACS seeking comments on State Pollinator Protection Plan

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has announced the meeting schedule for the agency’s State Managed Pollinator Protection Plan. VDACS will hold seven meetings around the state to give stakeholders an opportunity to provide input on the development of the plan.

The Pollinator Protection Plan focuses on enhanced communication among agricultural producers, landowners, pesticide applicators and beekeepers. The Virginia plan will be intended to reduce the potential for pesticide exposure to managed bees that are adjacent to, or near a pesticide treatment site, the agency said. The plan will not be intended to prohibit, eliminate, or further restrict the legal application of pesticides, according to a press release.

The meetings will include:

• An overview of the EPA’s guidance in developing state pollinator protection plans
• Seek input on the critical elements that should be included in Virginia’s plan
• Provide an overview of the critical elements VDACS is proposing for inclusion in the State Managed Pollinator Protection Plan.

Written comments may also be emailed to PollinatorProtection@vdacs.virginia.gov or mailed to VDACS – Office of Pesticide Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond VA 23218.

Proposed elements of the Virginia plan are outlined in a document published by the VDACAS. The final plan will be developed based upon the input received from stakeholders and taking into consideration the feasibility and cost effectiveness of each component of the plan.

For a list of meeting date and times, visit the VDACS website. For questions, contact Liza Fleeson Trossbach, program manager, Office of Pesticide Services, at 804-371-6559.