Multiple factors are playing a part in the decline of honey bee colonies, according to a report released last week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Based on the report, parasites and diseases, genetics, poor nutrition and pesticide exposure are contributing factors, although more research is being conducted.

Last October, a National Stakeholders Conference on Honey Bee Health led by federal researchers and Pennsylvania State University scientists was convened to gather the latest knowledge regarding the primary factors.

In brief, here are the key findings:

• Parasites and disease: Widespread chemical resistance by parasitic Varroa mites is the major factor underlying Colony Collapse Disorder losses.

• More genetic diversity needed: In short, too much inbreeding within honey bee colonies has weakened resistance to disease and reduced worker productivity.

Genetic variation builds stronger bees. Breeding should emphasize traits such as hygienic behavior that confer improved resistance to Varroa mites and diseases such as American foulbrood.

• Poor nutrition: A nutrition-poor diet makes bees more susceptible to all stress factors. Gut microbes in the bees play key roles in detoxification of chemicals and disease protection.

Better forage and a variety of plants are needed to support colony health.

• No conclusion on pesticide risks: Acute and sublethal effects of pesticides on honey bees have been increasingly documented and are a prime concern. But more research is required to establish pesticide exposure risks.

The most pressing pesticide questions lie in determining the actual field-relevant pesticide exposure bees receive and the effects of pervasive exposure to multiple pesticides on health and productivity of whole colonies.

About one-third of all food and beverages are made possible by pollination mainly by honey bees. Since 2006, there has been a widespread disappearance of adult honey bees from beehives.

This decline places greater pressure on agricultural sectors reliant on commercial pollination services.

To read the full 72-page report, visit www.usda.gov/documents/ReportHoneyBeeHealth.pdf.

FSA elections

The election of agricultural producers to Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees is important to ALL farmers and ranchers.

It is crucial that every eligible producer participate in these elections because FSA county committees are a link between the agricultural community and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

County committee members are a critical component of the operations of FSA. They help deliver FSA farm programs at the local level.

Farmers and ranchers who serve on county committees help with the decisions necessary to administer the programs in their counties. They work to ensure FSA agricultural programs serve the needs of local producers.

FSA county committees operate within official regulations designed to carry out federal laws. County committee members apply their judgment and knowledge to make local decisions.

The COC nomination period runs from June 17 through August 1. The nomination form is available at USDA Service Centers and online at www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/fsa0669a_commiteeelectform.pdf.

For more information, contact your local FSA office.

Luke Fritz is executive director of the Butler County Farm Service Agency.