WHEREAS, pollinators—including bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and other beneficial species—are essential to maintaining healthy ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining agricultural productivity throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, pollinators are critical partners to Virginia's farmers and producers, contributing significantly to the production of crops that support the Commonwealth's food supply, economy, and rural communities; and

WHEREAS, pollination plays a vital role in the health of Virginia's forests, grasslands, and natural areas, which provide wildlife habitat, clean water, and economic and recreational benefits; and

WHEREAS, pollinator species provide significant environmental benefits yet face threats from habitat loss, pesticide exposure, climate change, invasive species, and disease; and

WHEREAS, Virginia Pollinator Week is part of an international effort to raise awareness, promote conservation, and encourage individuals and communities to protect pollinators through sustainable practices;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize June 22-27, 2026, as INTERNATIONAL POLLINATOR WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.