June 24, 2003
Mr. Paul J. Growald, Chairman
North American Pollinator Protection Campaign
c/o Coevolution Institute
423 Washington Street, 4th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111-2339
Dear Mr. Growald:
Thank you for meeting with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) staff recently to discuss your efforts to increase knowledge and awareness about the importance of pollinators in American agriculture.
The state departments of agriculture are well aware of the important role that bees, butterflies and other pollinator species play in producing a healthy and affordable food supply, and in sustaining ecosystem health. Our affiliate organization, the Apirary Inspectors of America (AIA), actively promotes better beekeeping conditions in North America and presents new information, research and ideas as it is developed.
NASDA supports the proposed National Academy of Sciences (NAS) inventory and status assessment of North American pollinators. 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 even citizens in their own back yards.
NASDA represents the commissioners, secretaries and directors of the state departments of agriculture in the fifty states and four territories. Our members support the protection of our environment and the wise use of our natural resources– American agriculture depends on fertile land, clean air and water for its viability. We appreciate the efforts of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign and look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Richard W. Kirchhoff
Executive Vice President & CEO