New York governor restricts neonicotinoid use
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed the Birds and Bees Protection Act (S.1856-A/A.7640), which prohibits the use of neonicotinoid pesticide-treated corn, soybean or wheat seeds and neonicotinoid pesticides for outdoor ornamental plants and turf, according to a news release.
“By signing the Birds and Bees Protection Act, New York is taking a significant stride in protecting our kids, environment and essential pollinators,” Hochul said in the release. “This law underscores our commitment to fostering a thriving ecosystem while we prioritize sustainable farming and agricultural practices.”
The release said the legislation allows for research into neonicotinoid alternatives and cost-effective products. The legislation said following the research the state will use science-based evaluations and waiver provisions for farmers transitioning to the new program.
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation in 2022 reclassified certain products containing the neonicotinoid insecticides imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and acetamiprid as "restricted use" to ensure applications are limited to trained pesticide applicators in specific situations, according to the release.
“The amended legislation signed into law recognizes that treated seeds are an integral part of a 21st-century farm operation, supporting growers’ and farmers’ goals toward high yields and a more sustainable pest management approach through targeted treatment, lessening the impact on pollinators and other friendly insects,” said Andy Lavigne, president and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association in a statement. “In coordination with our grower partners, the benefits of modern treated seed were communicated to Governor Hochul and her administration through science-based advocacy. We look forward to continuing to work with her to ensure New York growers have access to the resources and tools needed to continue growing a bountiful harvest that feeds families across the country.”
Katie Baildon, policy manager for Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, said Hochul’s actions help protect the ecosystem and thousands of farms in the state that depend on native and honeybees to pollinate crops.
“By restricting wasteful neonic use, New York is protecting not only pollinators but also insect predators that farmers count on for natural pest control and soil microbial life critical for capturing carbon and nutrient cycling. NOFA-NY is celebrating this important win that will significantly curb contamination of our environment, our bodies and the entire New York food system,” she said in the release.
Laura Colligan, co-owner of Dirt Rich Farm in Springville, N.Y., and president of Good Farmers Guild of Western New York, also applauded the governor.
“As a vegetable farmer, a wide range of beneficial insects and other bugs are essential to my success, whether it’s bees to pollinate my crops, lacewings to control pests, or earthworms to return nutrients to the soil,” she said in the release. “Neonicotinoid pollution threatens all of them and, by extension, my livelihood. I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s leadership on this critical legislation to protect farmers like me across New York State from needless neonicotinoid use.”
