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Pollinator Protection

​Pollinator efforts are extremely important to Maryland agriculture. Every third bite of food we eat can be attributed to these beneficial organisms. Pollinators are in need of our help as there are many factors affecting their health. Habitat loss, loss of forage, parasites / disease, and pesticides are just some of the issues our pollinators are facing.
 
There are things we can do to help! Please check out the links below for some information on different ways to help improve pollinator health in Maryland:  
 
For Homeowners and Landscape Professionals:

How to make a pollinator garden: 

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For Beekeepers: 

 

 For Growers/Landowners:

 

Miscellaneous background, see: 


Pollinator
 
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Contact

Plant Protection & Weed Management Program
 
For the  Apiary Program: 
(410) 841-5920
For comments or information about the Pollinator Plan: 
(410)-841-5710


Managed Pollinator Protection Plan Released

​​Maryland Pollinator Protection Plan.pdfMaryland Pollinator Protection Plan

The Maryland Pollinator Protection Plan, released in June 2016, is designed to help various bee-loving populations improve and strengthen pollinator health and habitat. Read more about it. 

Background: President Obama directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to engage state agencies in developing Managed Pollinator Protection Plans to mitigate risk to honey bees and other managed pollinators. Read the Presidential Memorandum here.  
The Maryland Department of Agriculture, the Keystone Policy Center and University of Maryland conducted a Maryland Managed Pollinator Protection Plan  Stakeholder Summit in January 2016. The purpose of the summit was to enable state agencies and key stakeholders to discuss and identify significant opportunities and barriers to promote managed pollinator health, particularly as it relates to sustainable food production. The summit was designed to establish a framework for open communication and collaboration as Maryland develops and implements its plan. The Summit Report was released in February 2016.  
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Powerpoint Presentations from the Summit