Ramesh Sagili, an Oregon State University bee expert, has been appointed to a new pollinator subcommittee for the USDA National Agricultural Research, Extension Education and Economics Advisory Board.

“I’m really excited about it because pollinator health is important. It is really critical that we have good policies in place,” Sagili said.

More bee coverage

Pollination costs increasing for Northwest growers

Researchers get $4.2 million to study honeybee disease

Honeybee colony losses above average

Western Innovator: Beekeeper has unique urban operation

Breeding better bees: Genetic diversity creates stronger hives

“It’s an opportunity to convey the real research needs for the honeybee industry and for native pollinators, as well. There are several species of native bees that do a significant amount of pollination for many of our crops,” he added.

The nine-member subcommittee will recommend, review and consult on national priorities, research needs and best available science in informing USDA pollinator-related policy and program decisions.

The panel includes university and industry experts, including a scientist from Bayer Crop Science.

Sagili said the formation of the new subcommittee is recognition of the problems facing pollinators, he said. He added that there’s been strong emphasis on promoting pollinator health in the past 15 years.

Federal funding provides about 75% of the money for pollinator studies, Sagili estimated.

Sagili, a professor of apiculture, has been teaching and conducting research with OSU since 2009.

He directs the honeybee lab and master beekeeper program at OSU and is among the researchers who are attempting to solve the mystery of Colony Collapse Disorder, which has wiped out many hives nationwide.

Sagili is also leading a $4.2 million, four-year study that focuses on European foulbrood disease, which kills honeybees and affects the pollination of specialty crops such as blueberries.

That project is a partnership that includes Washington State University, the University of California-Davis and Mississippi State University.

Due to a variety of factors, beekeepers had overall colony loss rates of about 50% from April 2022 to April 2023, according to the USDA.

Pollination is vital for 100 crops in the United States, according to the agency.

On the West Coast, large scale beekeepers truck thousands of hives to California starting each January. They move hives north as crops blossom in rotation, beginning with almond orchards and transitioning to berries, tree fruit and seed crops.