PROTECTING KENTUCKY’S HONEY BEES: WHAT’S KILLING THE BUZZ, WHY IT MATTERS, AND WHAT WE CAN DO TO HELP

Note Written By: Christine M. Ficker

This Note asserts that Kentucky should dedicate resources to research honey bee populations and colony health, temporarily ban the use of neonicotinoid pesticides within the state, and work to educate the public about the issues honey bees are facing within the state, nationally, and worldwide. The first part of this Note will briefly explore the history between humans and honey bees. Next, it will present an overview of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) ranging from the symptoms indicating a colony has collapsed to an explanation of potential factors that lead to the disorder. Third, the Note will shift focus to the European response to CCD and describe the actions taken to protect pollinators. The fourth part of this Note will then survey the actions taken by the U.S. at the federal level to address the growing issue of CCD and honey bee population losses. Fifth, this Note will evaluate the effectiveness of the actions taken by both the EU and the US and conclude that the EU has been much more effective than the U.S. in preserving pollinator populations. Finally, this Note will make recommendations for Kentucky as to effective solutions for combating CCD and pollinator losses.

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