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Concerns about the pollinator health plan

The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) says they’re encouraged by the White House’s proactive approach to promote pollinator health.

But, ASTA president and CEO Andy LaVigne says they do have some concerns.  “As we look at any of the proposals or any of the issues that have been raised, especially when you deal with neonicotinoids, agro-chemicals, and pesticides for agriculture use and seed treatments – we want to make sure they are looked at from a scientific basis,” he says.

He tells Brownfield many of those opposed to modern-day agricultural practices blame the decline in pollinators solely on the use of neonicotinoids.

He says that simply isn’t the case.  “There are a number of different problems that come into play here and you can’t point your finger at just one and think that is going to be the silver bullet,” he says.  “We want to make sure EPA takes the appropriate steps to review any actions that they take in the future and not just react to loud voices in the public area.”

The plan, announced earlier this week, has a goal of reducing honey bee colony losses, increasing the monarch butterfly population, and restoring 7 million acres of bee habitat in the next five years.