Lawmakers are considering new state recognition for something that can both sting and sweeten our lives. Legislation that would name the honeybee the “official state insect of Iowa” is ready for debate in a House committee.

“It’s generating a lot of buzz.” quips Representative John Wills of Spirit Lake, a co-sponsor of the move. “The honeybee, it’s not even really a native species to Iowa or the United States…but it plays such a vital role and such an important role in our economy in the state and everything that we do, especially with agriculture, that it’s a good symbol.”

Wills says honeybees play a key role in our food supply and the work of these flying pollinators is worth 92 million dollars to the state’s economy.

Read the full article on the Radio Iowa website.