NEW YORK FARM BUREAU STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF NEONICOTINOID PESTICIDE BAN IN NYS LEGISLATURE

The vote is a step backward in protecting our environment and reducing climate impacts.

The following may be attributed to New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher

“The vote to ban an entire class of pesticides and treated seeds is deeply concerning, especially because of the precedent it sets. The Department of Environmental Conservation and its expertise should maintain the authority to properly review and register risk management tools, something the legislature is stripping away.

Seeds treated with neonicotinoids were designed to be safer and reduce pesticide use. While we share the same goal as supporters of the legislation, to always look for ways to reduce our environmental footprint, we believe the end result of this ban will force farms to revert back to spraying greater amounts of older pesticides as well as increasing tillage to combat harmful pests, releasing more carbon in the soil and increasing the likelihood of soil erosion. This will only create additional environmental and climate issues for the state, moving us backward. 
 

New York Farm Bureau asks Gov. Hochul to do the right thing and veto the bill." 

Click here to learn more about the safety and efficacy of treated seeds.

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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.”