SOURCE:
https://www.timesunion.com/capitol/article/hochul-signs-ban-neonicotinoids-new-york-18575164.php
By Rick Karlin - Dec 27, 2023
Substance is considered dangerous to bees
ALBANY — Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed a partial ban on neonicotinoids, a powerful and widely-used pesticide that environmentalists say is the most harmful chemical since DDT, but which farmers have long relied upon to control pests.
The Birds and the Bees Protection Act was signed last week after lengthy negotiations led to an eventual ban on the pesticide. The legislation, the culmination of years of debate, includes so-called chapter amendments, which means the state Legislature will tweak the bill in the coming session.
The bill also allows for waivers for events such as uncontrolled pest damage or economic hardships.
According to the legislation, the sale of soy, wheat and corn seeds treated with neonicotinoid pesticides, or neonics, will be banned starting in 2027.
There will be continued study of the issue, but the seed ban should make for widespread changes.
Environmental organizations hailed the measure, which was sponsored by two Manhattan Democrats, Assemblymember Deborah Glick and Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal.
The multiyear debate over neonics has been characterized by conflicting studies on the harm versus efficacy of the pesticides. It also featured heavy lobbying by both environmentalists and chemical makers of the neonics, which are sold to seed companies.
Environmentalists hailed the measure, saying it removes a major threat to bee populations. The insects are a crucial part of the food chain and other ecosystems due to their role as pollinators.
“We are overjoyed and buzzing with excitement,” said Adrienne Esposito, executive director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment.
But some farmers said this will raise their costs, and it will likely make it harder for no-till planting, which is considered an environmental plus. They also note that bee populations are relatively healthy overall, due in part to the recent popularity of beekeeping.
“I’m really disappointed in that,” said Jim Czub, who grows corn and soybeans in Washington and Rensselaer counties. “It will make it more expensive to grow.”
Neonics are not considered harmful to humans or other mammals but they kill bees, especially ground-nesting bees, which according to researchers, make up 54 percent of the state’s wild bee population.
They are derived from nicotine and work by binding to receptors in the central nervous systems of insects. That causes overstimulation, paralysis and death, according to Ambrook Research, an organization that follows agricultural and environmental issues.
Neonics treated from seeds are also taken up by the entire plant and they end up in the soil, posing an additional danger to ground-dwelling insects, such as ground bees.
While The New York Farm Bureau has said neonic seed treatment is more targeted than simply spraying the pesticide in the soil, they ultimately supported the bill, due to the amendments allowing for waivers and other considerations going forward.
“New York Farm Bureau greatly appreciates Gov. Hochul’s leadership in offering thoughtful chapter amendments on the ‘Birds and Bees Protection Act,’ ” Farm Bureau President David Fisher said.
“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.”
The measure also bans the use of neonics on ornamental plants and turf.