ST. LOUIS (AP) — The Missouri Department of Agriculture is trying to create a buzz about bees.

State AG director Jon Hagler was visiting St. Louis on Friday to launch a statewide initiative promoting the importance of bees in food production.

The “Great Missouri Buzz Off” encourages people to visit a website http://www.AgriMissouri.com to learn more about beekeeping and consider raising bees.

Officials say Missouri is home to more than 400 species of bees, most of which pollinate native plants. They also produce roughly 2 million pounds of honey each year.

Friday’s event was scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Missouri Botanical Garden, with Hagler being joined by officials from the Garden, the St. Louis Zoo and the Missouri State Beekeepers Association.

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