Pollinators like honey bees, wild bees, and other insect species critical to our food supply are under threat in Vermont, and around the country and globe, from widespread use of a class of systemic pesticides called neonicotinoids.
In recent weeks, the House Agriculture & Forestry Committee has taken testimony from over 20 expert witnesses on H.626, a bill that would prohibit the use of neonicotinoids unless the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (AAFM) creates regulations that protect pollinators from exposure.
"Neonics" are regularly applied as a seed coating on corn and soybean seeds to protect seeds from early season pests. Currently, nearly all corn seed planted in the state is coated with these pesticides whether or not there is a known pest threat that calls for them.
Beekeepers, agronomists, researchers, and farmers have presented powerful, science-based testimony making the case that widespread use of neonics is harming bees and other non-target insects while not, in most cases, helping farmers' bottom lines.
As Vermont beekeepers report record losses (up to 50% of hives are dying annually), one beekeeper told the committee, "There's a saying in the industry that we're no longer beekeepers - we've become bee replacers."
H.626 includes recommendations for neonicotinoids made to the legislature by the Pollinator Protection Committee in 2017. Despite having been granted the authority to regulate treated seeds, the Agency of Agriculture has not acted on these recommendations. Right now, the House Agriculture & Forestry Committee has the ability to take steps to limit the use of neonicotinoids in ways that protect bees and beekeepers, while actively supporting other farmers in transitioning away from widespread, prophylactic use.
Here's what you can do:
- Write to your legislator (find them here) and urge their support for NOFA-VT and Rural Vermont's redraft of H.626 which requires AAFM to phase out prophylactic use of neonics by 2024 and support farmers in accessing untreated seed and implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
- Copy Carolyn Partridge, Chair of House Agriculture & Forestry Committee, [email protected], on your message.
We're not asking the farmers using these seeds to quit cold turkey. Farms have already invested in this year’s seed, and their ability to source the appropriate amount and varieties of seed not treated with neonics is challenging given - among other things - the consolidation and concentration of seed companies. In addition to phasing out the use of neonic treated seeds, we are calling for an appropriate Integrated Pest Management (IPM) protocol and training for farmers and service providers.
Our proposed version of H.626 phases out the prophylactic use of neonics by providing a deadline by which AAFM must work with the newly created Agriculture Innovation Board, agricultural service providers, and others to develop and administer this IPM protocol and training, and to support farmers in transitioning away from prophylactic use of treated seed further by assisting in sourcing seed not treated with neonics.
Need more inspiration to act? Watch powerful testimony to the committee on January 26 from Charles Mraz, owner of Champlain Valley Apiary and third generation beekeeper.