Cornell Research Supports New Law

By Blake Jackson

Scott McArt and Alejandro Calixto from Cornell University have received the Outstanding Achievements in Science and Public Policy Award from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The award recognizes their work connecting scientific research with public policy decisions.

Their research focused on neonicotinoid insecticides, which are widely used in agriculture. The team studied how these chemicals affect pollinators and the environment. Their findings helped guide the creation of the New York State Birds and Bees Protection Act. This law limits the use of treated seeds in crops like corn, soybean, and wheat, and also restricts use in certain non-agricultural settings.

The research effort began in 2018 when the New York State Legislature asked for a detailed study. The team produced a 432-page report in 2020. This report included data from field trials and research conducted by Cornell experts. It helped explain both the risks and benefits of these pesticides.

Julie Suarez praised their work and commitment to sharing science with different groups. “Integrating science into public policy can be extremely complex; requiring the ability to credibly, authentically and without bias communicate what is and is not known in the scientific community on highly controversial issues like neonicotinoid seed treatments. “The team award presented to Dr. Calixto and Dr. McArt for excellence in science in public policy is so well-deserved. The recognition reflects the incredible hard work, willingness to travel anywhere in New York State to talk to farmers, agri-businesses, environmentalists and public policy officials, and a desire to ensure that farmers can have confidence in the science as a result of the largest set of on-farm field trials in the history of the Cornell IPM Program is simply exemplary.”

The research team held many meetings with policymakers to explain their findings. Their efforts helped lead to the adoption of the law in 2023.

Today, the team continues to work on new research and shares information about alternative pest control methods. Their goal is to help growers manage pests while protecting pollinators and the environment.

Photo Credit: cornell-university