Neonicotinoid insecticide (“neonic”), a synthetic insecticide derived from nicotine, was originally introduced into our agricultural sector to combat a growing problem in the Midwest with corn flea beetles. Today, it is believed that almost all corn and over half of soybean seeds are coated with a neonic.  

Research has found that neonics are substantially harmful to our pollinators, soil insects, and integrated pest management systems. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), three quarters of the world’s most productive food crops depend upon insects and other animals for pollination. This is why I will soon introduce legislation, mirroring that of New York and Vermont, to ban neonic seed treatments for field crops.  

By banning neonic seed treatments for field crops, we will not only strengthen protections for beneficial insects, but we will also realign ourselves with the agricultural best practices of integrated pest management.  

As argued by researchers at Penn State, neonic seed treatments “violate core principles of integrated pest management” through commercial educational materials highlighting the benefits but downplaying the risks associated with neonics. These treatments are billed to combat severe pests, but instead the insects that tend to actually be targeted by these treatments are occasional pests. As a result, benefits are only realized after severely damaging populations of possibly useful insects.  

I urge my colleagues to join me in co-sponsoring this significant measure to protect our environmentally and agriculturally valuable insects by banning neonicotinoid insecticide seed treatments for field crops.