This regulation sets forth Departmental Policy relating to Africanized honey bees and coordination of Africanized honey bee activities among agencies of USDA and other executive agencies, organizations, and individuals. It is in furtherance of USDA responsibilities mandated by the legislation identified in Section 6a.
Honey bees are a major agricultural resource.
The USDA is vitally interested in the maintenance, enhancement, and protection of the Nation's honey bee industry and the well-being of the people of the United States. The Department has played, and will continue to play, and active role in developing, demonstrating, and applying essential science, technology, and stewardship necessary to effectively protect the honey bee industry of this nation and throughout the world. Approximately 250,000 beekeepers manage over 4 million honey bee colonies throughout the United States. The Africanized honey bee was introduced into the western hemisphere in Brazil in 1956. Since that time it has spread throughout South America, Central America, and into Mexico.