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NATIONAL POLLINATOR WEEK WHEREAS, Pollination is vital to our survival and the existence of nearly all ecosystems on earth; and WHEREAS, 80% of the world's crop plants depend on pollination; and WHEREAS, Pollinators, almost all of which are insects, are indispensable partners for an estimated 1 out of every 3 mouthfuls of food, spices and condiments we eat, and the beverages we drink; and WHEREAS, They are essential to the fibers we use, the medicines that we use, and more than half of the world's dietary fats and oils; and WHEREAS, Insect pollinators, including honey bees, pollinate products amounting to $20 billion annually in the U.S. alone; and WHEREAS, One of those crops is Idaho's $15million alfalfa seed crop that ranks second in the nation overall and first in production of dormant seed for cold climates; and WHEREAS, The University of Idaho is actively engaged in research to develop pesticides that protect valuable crops without harming pollinators or other beneficial insects; and WHEREAS, Citizens are encouraged to reduce pesticide use and create pollinator habitats in their yards, schools, and other nearby lands to reduce the demise of our pollinators. NOW, THEREFORE; I, Nancy Chaney, Mayor of the City of Moscow, do hereby proclaim June 22 – 28, 2008 as: National Pollinator Week in the City of Moscow and encourage citizens to avoid unnecessary use of pesticides and to nurture habitats that promote the vitality of pollinators and restoration of their populations.. DATED this 16th day of June, 2008. Nancy Chaney, Mayor