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Senate Ag Committee advances bill to create Managed Honey Bee Health Program
Summary
The Senate Committee on Agriculture voted to send AB 1042 (Assemblymember Ransom) to the Appropriations Committee. The bill would create a Managed Honey Bee Health Program providing grants, incentives and technical assistance to support California’s managed beekeeping industry and pollination services.
The California State Senate Committee on Agriculture advanced AB 10 42, by Assemblymember Ransom, to the Appropriations Committee. The measure would create a Managed Honey Bee Health Program at the state level to provide grants, incentives and technical assistance to support managed pollinators and beekeepers.
Assemblymember Ransom told the committee that “managed honey bees are crucial for the health of California's agriculture,” saying that “over 90 California crops rely on pollination, including almonds, berries and melons.” Ransom said the bill would use the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s scientific advisory panel to direct grants and technical assistance where needed.
Daniel Hartwig, president of the California Fresh Fruit Association, testified in support. Hartwig, who identified himself as a Fresno County farmer, said farmers need healthy bees for crop quality and quantity: “To grow crops, we tend to say that we need water, soil, and sunlight. But as a farmer myself in Fresno County I know firsthand how critical bees are to the success of our farms.”
Other organizations and industry representatives registered their support in Room 113, including the American Pistachio Growers, California Citrus Mutual, CropLife America, Western Growers Association, the California State Beekeepers Association, Almond Alliance and the California Farm Bureau. Committee staff recorded no in-room opposition.
The committee voted to place the measure on call after an initial 4–0 tally to allow additional members to vote; later the roll call shows the motion passed with five ayes. The clerk recorded Senators Hurtado, Alvarado Gill, Cortesi, McNerney and Padilla as voting “aye.” The motion on file item 2 was recorded as “do pass to Appropriations Committee.”
With the committee action, AB 10 42 moves to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration. If advanced from Appropriations, the bill would proceed to the Senate floor for a full vote.
