This resolution designates June 22 through June 28, 2026, as "National Pollinator Week" to recognize the vital role pollinators play in U.S. agriculture and ecosystem health.
Jeff Merkley
Senator
OR
This resolution officially recognizes the critical role of pollinators in supporting U.S. agriculture and ecosystem health. It designates June 22 through June 28, 2026, as "National Pollinator Week." The bill highlights the significant economic contributions of pollinators while noting alarming declines in native species populations. It encourages public education and conservation efforts during the designated week.
Senate Designates June 22–28, 2026, as National Pollinator Week to Protect $18 Billion Agricultural Impact
This resolution officially recognizes the heavy lifting done by bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and beetles, designating the final full week of June 2026 as 'National Pollinator Week.' While it might sound like a symbolic gesture, the bill grounds itself in some serious math: pollinators are responsible for reproducing 80 percent of flowering plants and add over $18 billion annually to U.S. crop production. By formalizing this week, the Senate is signaling a commitment to public education and habitat conservation to prevent a collapse in the systems that put food on our tables.
The High Cost of Quiet Fields
The bill points to a staggering decline in pollinator populations that could eventually hit your grocery bill. For instance, the Western monarch butterfly population has plummeted from 10 million in the 1980s to fewer than 2,000 in 2020—a 99 percent drop. It’s not just about the butterflies, though; more than 70 native pollinator species are now federally listed as threatened or endangered. For a farmer growing one of the 100+ crops that rely on these insects, or a homeowner who enjoys stable soil and clean air, these numbers represent a direct threat to the local environment and the economy.
More Than Just a Calendar Date
Beyond just picking a week for ceremonies, the resolution commits the Senate to ongoing work protecting native habitats and increasing public awareness. It encourages schools, businesses, and local governments to use this window for conservation efforts, such as planting native gardens or reducing pesticide use that harms these species. By linking pollinator health to human health and global food webs, the bill aims to turn a niche environmental issue into a mainstream priority, ensuring that the 'free' labor provided by nature doesn't disappear and leave us with the bill.