In Vermont, there has been a push to ban neonicotinoids, insecticides that have been widely used for decades. Despite the Agricultural Innovation Board (AIB) stating that there was no scientific basis for this ban, the Vermont Senate passed House Bill H706 to prohibit their use. However, the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets also agreed that the ban was unnecessary.
Now it is up to Governor Phil Scott to decide whether to sign the bill into law or not. While neonicotinoids have been linked to declining bee populations, scientists point out that corn, Vermont’s largest vegetable crop, is pollinated by wind and is not a food source for bees. Neonicotinoids are seed treatments, not mass spray chemicals, so they do not harm bees unless pests directly try to eat the plants.
The ban on neonicotinoids would force farmers to use harsher pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides instead, resulting in a 375% increase in toxic chemicals. This could harm both crops and the environment more than neonicotinoids ever did. Scientists, farmers and regulatory agencies in Vermont warn against implementing such a measure as it would do more harm than good.
Despite claims that neonics are harmful to bees, bee populations in Vermont have increased by 43% due to their use. Chemical tests conducted on beehives show that neonics are barely present while other chemicals like thymol and older insecticides are more prevalent and harmful to bees. Therefore, Governor Scott has an opportunity to prevent politicization of science by vetoing this unnecessary regulation. Denying scientific evidence would not display true leadership for the state.
