For Release: June 22, 2020

EPA has renewed its MOU between EPA and the Pollinator Partnership, as part of its ongoing work to protect pollinator habitats. The announcement comes during National Pollinator Week, which EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler issued a proclamation for earlier today.

The MOU outlines each party’s role in protecting pollinators such as birds, bats, bees and other insects – all of which play a vital role in providing pollination services to both agricultural and non-agricultural plants. For example, EPA and Pollinator Partnership will work together to mitigate the impacts of pesticides to pollinators by promoting safe use of pesticides and best management practices that minimize risks from pesticides to pollinators and their habitats.

“Pollinators are vital to both our agricultural food supply and a healthy environment,” said EPA Assistant Administrator Alexandra Dapolito Dunn. “Protecting pollinators requires the work of dedicated people across the nation, and we are proud to partner with Pollinator Partnership to achieve our shared goals.”

“One of the great prospects for the coming year is the strengthened relationship between EPA and the Pollinator Partnership to develop new approach methods to improve the health of pollinators — it is a vital goal that both institutions share” said President and CEO of the Pollinator Partnership Laurie Davies Adams. “The opportunity to collaborate in building effective support for pollinators is very promising."

This MOU replaces a similar MOU signed by the OCSPP Pesticide Program Director in 2017, who has since retired. The renewed MOU includes added references to New Approach Methods (NAMs) for reducing animal testing. See the complete MOU here.