Taskforce to develop pollinator protection announced by Governor Cuomo

Apr 23, 2015

Aimed at protecting insects important to New York agriculture

In an effort to protect pollinators like bees and butterflies who play an important role in pollinating New York’s agricultural goods, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the creation of a taskforce whose job it will be to develop a Pollinator Protection Plan.

“Pollinators are crucial to the health of New York’s environment, as well as the strength of our agricultural economy,” Governor Cuomo said. “By developing a statewide action plan, we are expanding our efforts to protect these species and our unparalleled natural resources, and making an important step forward in our commitment to New York’s ecological and economic future.”

The taskforce’s responsibilities will include:

Forming partnerships with researchers to expand collection and data sharing about pollinator health
Developing strategies for public education purposes
Identify habitat enhancement and foraging opportunities
Develop best management practices for landowners, pesticide applicators, beekeepers and state agencies

The USDA estimates pollinators provide nearly $500 million worth of their services and can add up to $15 billion in crop value nationally.

New York crops such as apples, cherries, onions, pumpkins and cauliflower rely on pollinators heavily and in the last 50 years, the number of pollinators has dropped significantly.

New York State Commissioner of Agriculture Richard A. Ball, said he is in favor of Governor Cuomo’s decision.

“As a farmer, I know that pollinators play a critical role in our state’s abundant food supply. Governor Cuomo’s plan will provide added protection for these vital actors in our ecosystem. I look forward to the hard work of finding solutions to this serious issue.”

Join the conversation and tell us your thoughts about Governor Cuomo taking the steps necessary to help protect pollinators in New York. Do you think your state would benefit from similar actions?

New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo

Video: Will the 2025 USDA December Crop Report Be a Market Mover/Surprise?

Historically, the USDA December crop report is a non-event or another dud report as the USDA reserves any final supply changes to the final report in January of the following year in this case 2026. But after the longest U.S. government shutdown in history at 43 days and no October crop report will they provide more data/surprise and make an exception?
Our China U.S. soybean purchase tracker is now at 26.6% or a total of 3.2 mmt but for traders it’s taking too long to unfold.
The final Stats Canada production report was bearish canola and wheat projection a record crop in both (it adds to the global glut of supplies) and bullish local corn and soybean prices in Ontario/Quebec thanks to a drought. It will not help the fund flow short-term, the USDA may need to offset it?
A U.S. Fed interest rate cut of another 25-basis point next Wednesday (probability 87.1%) could help fund flow and sentiment in stock and ag commodities into year end.
More inflows into Bitcoin this past week saw prices rebound back above 90,000 with support at 82,000 and resistance at 96,000.
A V-shaped bottom in cattle suggest the lows are in after Mexico reported another new world screwworm case. Lower weights, seasonal demand and higher U.S. beef select/choice values with a continued closure of the Mexican border to cattle will result in a resumption of higher cattle futures into yearend.
Australia is expected to produce its 3rd largest wheat crop ever at 36 mmt adding to the global glut of supplies.
Reports of ASF in hogs in Spain the largest pork exporter in Europe could see the U.S. win more pork export business long-term.
If the rains verify into next week of 3-5 inches for Brazil it would go a long way to fixing the dry regions from the last 2-months, but the European weather model has been wrong for the past 2-months!
Natural gas futures are surging to the 3rd price count as frigid hold temps set in.
CDN $ is also surging to end the week on a very resilient economy and better employment numbers suggesting no interest rate cuts next week.
Finally, the CFTC report showed funds were net buyers of soybeans but sellers of corn, canola and wheat. In real time the funds have gone back to selling as they take some profits.