In a commentary dated July 21, dairy farmer Rochelle Stein expressed her concerns about the potential negative impact of the Birds and Bees Protection Act on small farms in New York. She raised valid points, such as increased costs, higher risk of crop failure, and the necessity to adopt alternative methods that may be even more harmful to the environment. While we acknowledge and understand these worries, we urge New York’s farmers to consider two important facts.
Firstly, it is important to note that small farms in New York already bear the burden of wasteful neonic pesticide pollution. These harmful pesticides have led to a decline in pollinators, resulting in reduced production of key crops like apples and cherries in the state. Recent research indicates that global fruit and vegetable production has dropped by 3 to 5 percent due to pollinator shortages. This decline in yields directly translates to lower profits and higher food prices.
Furthermore, neonicotinoid pesticides have significantly increased the toxicity of insect life in U.S. agriculture. The contamination of soil and water on a large scale has eliminated the natural pest control provided by insect predators that farmers rely on. Consequently, crop yields have decreased. Additionally, neonics have had a detrimental effect on soil health by killing essential insects and microbial life crucial for carbon capture and nutrient cycling.
The Birds and Bees Protection Act focuses solely on prohibiting neonic coatings on corn, soybean, and wheat seeds in agriculture. Extensive scientific research compiled in Cornell University’s comprehensive report demonstrates that these uses provide no overall economic benefits to farmers. This is further supported by the experience of farmers in Europe, where neonic treatments were banned 10 years ago. Both Quebec and Ontario have effectively phased out these treatments for the past five years without any noticeable adverse effects on production levels or prices in the EU or Canada.
It is important to mention that New York’s legislation includes mechanisms for state agencies to relax the prohibitions if they pose potential financial hardships for farmers. However, we believe that these mechanisms are unlikely to be necessary.
Internationally, markets are already shifting away from the harmful and unnecessary use of neonics. This legislation receives strong support from the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, as well as many small farms across the state. We hope that Governor Kathy Hochul will demonstrate leadership by signing this bill into law, thereby protecting New York’s small farmers, their health, and the environment.
Wes Gillingham, owner of Wild Roots Farm in Livingston Manor, Sullivan County, is both a farmer and a board member of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York. Katie Baildon serves as the policy manager for NOFA-NY.
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