WHEREAS, 1992 is the 500th anniversary of Columbus' voyage, which is a reminder of the many exchanges between the old and new worlds; and
WHEREAS, the honeybee is critical to crop pollination and plays a vital role in our varied and plentiful food supply; and
WHEREAS, during World War II, honey was an essential staple for American households and beeswax was a vital component of machine lubricants for the military; and
WHEREAS, the State Department of Agriculture reports there are 1,200 beekeepers with 9,000 colonies in this state producing an estimated 50 pound of honey per colony annually; and
WHEREAS, the yearly value of honey production is estimated at $365,000.00 in the State of Oklahoma; and
WHEREAS, the honeybee industry serves as a vocation and avocation for Oklahoma producers.
Now, Therefore, be it resolved by the Senate of the 2nd Session of the 43rd Oklahoma Legislature, the House of Representatives concurring therein:
THAT apis mellifera, commonly known as the honeybee, is hereby declared the Official Insect of the State of Oklahoma.
THAT a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Governor and the Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture.