HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO.161

(By Delegates Butcher and Williams)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the apiculture industry in West Virginia to identify potential avenues to further develop and promote the state’s bee-keeping industry and enhance the development of disease and mite resistant bees.

    Whereas, Bees are vital to our state’s agriculture and wildife, providing the pollenation of fruit trees, vegetables, flowers and forests; and 

    Whereas, The bee-keeping industry is critical to the economy of our state; and

    Whereas, Disease and insects pose serious threats to the bee-keeping industry; and

    Whereas, Issues affecting the apiculture industry should be researched, analyzed and explored to ensure that the bee-keeping industry remains a productive, profitable industry in West Virginia and to explore avenues to provide for the development of disease and mite resistant bees; and therefore be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to conduct a study on apiculture industry in West Virginia to identify potential avenues to further develop and promote the state’s bee-keeping industry and enhance the development of disease and mite resistant bees; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the Legislature, on the first day of the regular session, 2012 on its findings, conclusions and recommendations together with drafts of any legislation to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.