New York Farm Bureau Leads Coalition to Oppose Pesticide Ban and Advocate for Science-Based Regulation

The New York Farm Bureau, alongside a broad coalition of farm groups, agribusinesses, and supporters, has penned a letter to Governor Hochul and legislative leaders, urging them to rely on the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and its scientific expertise when reviewing and regulating pesticides in the state. The coalition also strongly opposes the proposed Birds and Bees Act (S.1856/A.3226), which seeks to ban an entire class of pesticides and threatens environmentally friendly practices in land and pollinator conservation.

The letter highlights the detrimental impact a ban on neonicotinoids would have on farmers, landscapers, golf courses, and other industries in effectively combating pests. It emphasizes that without the use of treated seeds and crop protectants, farmers would be forced to reduce cover crops, resulting in increased vulnerability to pests and the need for more frequent tillage. This, in turn, would compromise climate-smart farming practices that play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and hinder New York State's sustainability goals.

Furthermore, the letter underscores the significance of neonicotinoids as a major advancement in insecticide technology, widely adopted due to their safety for humans and the environment. It highlights how seed coating technology minimizes pesticide exposure to pollinators through precise application and subsurface planting of the crop protectant.

The coalition firmly believes that neonicotinoid products, when used as directed, offer unique benefits in addressing specific pest challenges and are integral to Integrated Pest Management programs. Currently, the DEC and its experts possess the authority to regulate pesticides in New York, boasting stricter protocols than federal EPA oversight. Additionally, New York State has implemented a robust pollinator protection plan in alignment with its leading Integrated Pest Management program. The coalition asserts the importance of maintaining this oversight and resisting political influences that could jeopardize the state's food supply and environmental well-being.

As the largest agricultural lobbying and trade organization in the state, the New York Farm Bureau is recognized as "The Voice of New York Agriculture." Their mission centers around supporting present agricultural needs and creating future opportunities through advocacy and education.

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