Chairwoman Stabenow Announces Nearly $7 Million for Michigan State University to Support Fruit and Vegetable Pollination Research

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced that Michigan State University will receive a $6.9 million grant to address the decline in honeybees and its impact on crops. Michigan's fruit and vegetable crop production depends on honeybees for pollination, but bee populations have been in decline for years. The grant was funded through the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, which is authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.

"Today's announcement is important news for Michigan fruit and vegetable growers who depend on honeybees for pollination," said Stabenow. "Declining bee populations threaten Michigan's agricultural economy and this support once again recognizes Michigan State University's agricultural leadership."