Insiders say OSU needs funding to research colony collapse disorder

Beekeepers, farmers and food industry representatives said Tuesday they are worried that a massive honey bee die-off could devastate much of Oregon’s agricultural economy.

“We are truly facing an impending pollination crisis,” said Rufus LaLone, an entomologist for Smucker’s.

“There may not be any bees this time next year. I’m not kidding. It’s that serious,” said Yakima-based beekeeper Eric Olson, who lost 4,000 of 13,000 hives over the winter.

On Tuesday at Oregon State University, the representatives of the Northwest’s agricultural industry met with OSU scientists to discuss the problem and what to do about it.

Beekeepers and farmers, believing a mysterious disease called colony collapse disorder has hit the Northwest, urged OSU to create a permanent honey bee position, most likely a mix of research and outreach.

Securing emergency state funding for studies also was discussed. Both, however, could take a year to fall into place. And the emergency may be here now.

“This is about survival,” said Mike Weber, a partner in Central Oregon Seeds in Madras, the world’s largest producer of carrot seed.

The berry industry has grown to more than $130 million in Oregon, with most farms in the Willamette Valley.

But berry fields have been eerily quiet during June and July, LaLone said. Bees aren’t buzzing from flower to flower, he said.

The $80 million pear industry and the $44 million cherry industry are among other crops that rely on bees for pollination.

The Dalles-area cherry farmer Mike Omeg worried a scarcity of hives could pit growers against each other in a dash to hire beekeepers.

Attendees at Tuesday’s conference formed a task force that will write a letter to Oregon legislators about the issue on behalf of state Sen. Frank Morse and state Sen. Betsy Johnson, who also were present.

“This needs to be an Oregon priority,” said Johnson, noting that the issue touched everyone in the state.

Another part of the solution may be partnering with Washington or other Western states to pool resources for honeybee research and other field work.

Morse wondered if honeybees were the metaphoric canary in the coal mine.

LaLone said native pollinators also are disappearing.

The College of Agricultural Sciences will soon prioritize its staffing, which it does twice a year.

“Hearing what we’ve heard today from the group, this is a very high priority,” said Thayne Dutson, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences.

The college, however, also is looking at significant budget reductions, said Bill Boggess, who will take over as interim dean on July 1, after Dutson retires.

OSU is starting a survey of beekeepers in an effort to determine whether hives are declining and why, as well as offering diagnostic services for certain diseases.

Kyle Odegard covers Oregon State University. He can be contacted at kyle.odegard@lee.net or 758-9523.