California Moves Closer to Launching Honeybee Health Plan Act

Sacramento, CA - Earlier in June, the California State Assembly unanimously passed AB 1042, authored by Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom (D-Tracy), directing the California Department of Food and Agriculture to inaugurate a managed honeybee health program. Managed honeybees are vital to California's agriculture, contributing billions of dollars annually by pollinating over 100 crops like almonds, berries, and melons. AB 1042 received further bipartisan momentum today, passing out of the Senate Agriculture Committee on a unanimous 5-0 vote.

Despite their economic and environmental importance, honeybee populations are declining. According to CalMatters, between June 2024 and March 2025, U.S. commercial beekeepers lost nearly 1.6 million colonies-averaging a 62% loss.

AB 1042 addresses the crisis head-on. It strengthens bee health by investing in research, education, and pollinator-friendly practices. The program will offer incentives for commercial beekeepers and farmers to adopt practices that support pollinator health. It will also provide grants to tribes, schools, nonprofits, and local groups to advance bee health research. In addition, it funds hands-on projects that train beekeepers and demonstrate real-world solutions.

"It is clear that we need a science-backed program that offers real tools to support beekeepers, strengthen pollinator health, and protect our multi-billion-dollar agricultural economy," said Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom. "Bees may be small, but they are a keystone in our ecosystem. Without them, the breadbasket of America could run empty."

AB 1042 is proudly supported by a broad coalition of agricultural and industry leaders, including the CA Fresh Fruit Association (Sponsor), CA Farm Bureau, CA State Beekeepers Association, Almond Alliance, Agricultural Council of CA, CA Chamber of Commerce and many others committed to saving our Honeybees and protecting our Agriculture.

AB 1042 is headed to Senate Appropriations.

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