January 2, 2014
Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt from CropLife’s review of the top issues for 2014. For the complete article, please see here.
From: CropLife
Crop Protection Industry: Pollinator Health, Farm Bill Among Top Issues For 2014
Pollinator Health
The agriculture and crop protection industries understand the importance of pollinators to a healthy agricultural system and work continuously with beekeepers, growers, researchers and regulators to address honeybee health as part of the normal pesticide registration process. Research into bee health is ongoing and has shown that numerous factors influence the health of honeybees. In fact, a report released in 2013 by the USDA and EPA, “Report on the National Stakeholders Conference on Honeybee Health,” notes the following factors as influencers: Parasitic Varroa mites, nutrition, lack of genetic diversity, pesticide exposure and beekeeper and farmer practices.
Earlier in 2013, the European Commission moved to significantly restrict the use of neonicotinoid insecticides. A two-year moratorium went into effect, starting this past December. A bill that would accomplish similar ends, H.R. 2692, has been introduced in the House. H.R. 2692 calls for EPA to suspend the registration of neonicotinoids until a determination has been made that these pesticides will not cause unreasonable adverse effects on pollinators. Such restrictions are unlikely to contribute to any improvement in pollinator health; neonicotinoids are thoroughly tested and monitored for potential risks to the environment and various beneficial species, including honeybees. During the registration process, EPA conducts a comprehensive evaluation of risks to pollinators and various forms of wildlife and continues to assess the risks of these and all plant protection products through its periodic review process.
In response to growing concerns about the effect of seed treatment dust on pollinators, CropLife America has partnered with the American Seed Trade Association to release “The Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardship.” This resource addresses the safe handling, transport, storage, planting and disposal of treated seeds, and helps growers adopt better stewardship practices to protect pollinators, the environment and applicators. Collaborative efforts such as these, coupled with ongoing research, will help continue to address the diverse factors at play in honeybee health.
Crop protection products are only one piece of the agriculture story, and CropLife America and its members strive to tell the complete story of modern agriculture each day. From our social media platforms to our collection of infographics and videos, every person working within the agricultural industry can add their voice using these resources. During the past year, CropLife America has effectively grown its Twitter presence to communicate relevant news stories, share valuable resources and balance conversations. In addition, CropLife America released reports on the benefits of seed treatments in modern agriculture; the costly side effects of duplicative ESA regulations; and the potential detrimental effects the European Union’s endocrine disruptor regulations may have on U.S. trade. CropLife America also has produced videos, infographics, posters and talking points on key issues such as pollinator health, conservation and precision agriculture.
Every person has a stake in agriculture, and with the collaboration of allied organizations and industry, our perspective on key issues can be heard. Grassroots activities, such as mobilizing letter-writing, phone calling and e-mailing campaigns; submitting op-eds to newspapers and media; and hosting forums to discuss issues and solutions, are invaluable to reach policymakers and regulators, and consistent communication on emerging science and research will bolster the efforts of the crop protection industry.
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