In a significant legislative move, the Vermont House Committee on Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry advanced a bill aiming to prohibit most applications of neonicotinoid pesticides, with an 8-2 vote. These insecticides, prevalent in the treatment of corn and soybean seeds across the U.S. and specifically in Vermont, have faced scrutiny for their connection to the decline in pollinator populations. Despite their widespread use in agriculture, including on apple orchards and various crops, a study by Cornell University in 2020 highlighted that these treated seeds do not enhance crop yields for corn and soybeans, while also being more expensive.
The environmental and agricultural sectors in Vermont, including lawmakers, environmental groups, beekeepers, and numerous farmers, have voiced concerns over the detrimental effects of neonicotinoids on bees and other pollinating species. Testimonies from beekeepers underscored the critical situation, with reports of colony loss rates ranging between 35% to 85%. The push for the bill's advancement is seen as a vital step towards safeguarding Vermont's renowned honey industry and its essential insect populations. The initiative follows precedents set by Ontario, Quebec, the European Union, and ongoing efforts in New York State to eliminate the use of coated seeds by 2029.
Source: vermontpublic.org