Scientists have documented a global decline in honey bee populations since 2005. Massive bee die-off events and colony collapse disorder are putting our ecosystem and food production at risk. This rise in bee deaths has been largely linked to the explosive growth in the use of harmful neonicotinoid (A.K.A. “neonics”) pesticides. Not only do neonicotinoids threaten bee populations, they are also very pervasive in soil and drinking water sources. To protect our pollinators, food production, and environment, we must restrict the use of toxic neonicotinoids.
New York Must Ban Dangerous & Unnecessary Uses of Neonics
Corn, soy, and wheat treated seeds account for an estimated 73% of all neonics used in New York and lawn, garden, ornamental, and turf (aka cosmetic) uses make up an additional 15%. A 2020 report by Cornell University found that neonic treated corn, soy, and wheat seeds provide "no overall net income benefits" to farmers yet pose significant risk to bees and other pollinators. Likewise, cosmetic uses posed some of the highest risk to pollinators but are easily replaced with safer alternatives.
The Birds and Bees Protection Act (S.699B/A.7429) would ban these low benefit/high risk uses of neonics in NY. This will eliminate at least 85% - 90% of all neonics used in New York, protect water quality, and ensure we are not poisoning our birds, bees, and pollinators from this toxic pesticide. Email your elected representatives today and urge them to pass the Birds and Bees Protection Act!
BACKGROUND
What are Neonicotinoids?
Neonicotinoids (A.K.A. “neonics”) are pesticides that attack the nervous system of insects. These pesticides are typically added to seeds of plants, such as corn, wheat, and soy beans by pesticides companies. These chemicals persist and spread as the plant grows, making the entire plant toxic to bees and other pollinators. Numerous studies demonstrate these chemicals damage bees’ brain function, including their ability to “home in” or find, their hive. Three of the most common neonics, chotianidin, thiamethoxam, and imidacloprid, are not only toxic to bees but are also contaminants found in New York’s streams and drinking water resources.
Why Pollinators Matter
Pollinators, such as honey bees, beetles, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds, are indispensible components of our food web. Globally, animal and insect pollinators contribute to 35% of all food production, with 87 of the leading 115 crops dependent on these native pollinators. A 2014 White House study estimates that pollinators contribute $24 billion annually to the U.S. economy ($15 billion from honey bees alone), from honey yields and pollinating our seeds and crops. Without honey bees, we will see smaller harvests and higher food prices for staples like almonds, cucumbers, and cranberries.
Pollinators Under Threat
Unfortunately, our pollinators are under threat from harmful neonics. Since 2006, beekeepers are reporting abandoned bee hives that are full of honey. This phenomenon of bees disappearing, known as colony collapse disorder, is linked directly to neonic use. In addition, beekeepers are also reporting massive die-offs, with a loss of 40% of their hives in 2017.
In 2013, a report by the European Food Safety Commission concluded that neonics pose an unacceptable risk to bees, which led to the Commission instituting a ban on neonics later that year. The EU decided to expand the ban in 2018 based on additional scientific research linking bee deaths with these chemicals.
Pesticides and Drinking Water
Pesticide contamination of New York’s waters is widespread, threatening our health and environment. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife study from 2018 found neonics in New York streams “in excess of toxicity and regulatory thresholds.” In 2016, extensive testing of New York surface waters by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) found the neonic imidacloprid in nearly 40% of samples. That same year, USGS monitoring found imidacloprid to be one of the most frequently detected pesticides in the Long Island aquifer.
Thanks for taking action. Together we make a difference!
Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE