New York Farm Bureau Statement on Gov. Hochul Signing of Amended Birds and Bees Protection Act

The new law preserves risk management tools for farmers and DEC’s regulatory control over agricultural pesticides.
 

The following may be attributed to NYFB President David Fisher:

“New York Farm Bureau greatly appreciates Gov. Hochul’s leadership in offering thoughtful chapter amendments on the “Birds and Bees Protection Act.” (S1856-A/A7460) She sought input from all sides and reached consensus on a balanced approach that ensures farms will have safe risk management tools that they need to grow food for our state.

All along, New York Farm Bureau opposed an outright ban and encouraged leaders to follow the science, letting experts from the Department of Environmental Conservation maintain regulatory control as opposed to the state legislature.  This will continue as DEC, along with input from the Department of Agriculture and Markets, will set regulations centered on proper Integrated Pest Management. New York Farm Bureau will work with both departments to provide continued input throughout this regulatory process.

Seeds treated with neonicotinoids were designed to be safer and reduce pesticide use. Farmers take their role as environmental stewards seriously. We continuously look for ways to improve our best management practices based on sound science, and the revised legislation signed today will allow us to do just that.”

-30-

New York Farm Bureau is the State’s largest agricultural lobbying/trade organization. Its members and the public know the organization as “The Voice of New York Agriculture.” New York Farm Bureau’s mission is “Supporting today’s agricultural needs and creating member opportunities for tomorrow through advocacy and education.”