BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho officials are devising a statewide plan to protect the health of pollinating insects.

The Capital Press reports that the Idaho State Department of Agriculture is asking agricultural organizations and other interested groups to speak up at a public meeting scheduled for September. The Idaho Potato Commission, the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Seed Association, Treasure Valley Beekeepers Club and the Idaho Honey Industry Association have already been invited.

The department has created a draft policy that draws heavily from North Dakota's state pollinator plan. Division of Agricultural Resources Administrator George Robinson says the draft is a guidance document meant to spur discussion.

Dudley Hoskins, public policy counsel for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, says 45 states have adopted or are drafting pollinator protection plans.

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