Beekeepers, Dairy Farmers Weigh in on Rules for Neonicotinoid Pesticides

By Abagael Giles

Dairy farmers, seed dealers and beekeepers gave impassioned testimony at a recent hearing in St. Albans over proposed rules for using neonicotinoid pesticides.

Almost all corn seed in Vermont is coated in the chemicals, which are intended to kill pests like seed corn maggot, grubs and wireworm.

However, there is robust scientific evidence that they get into wildflowers and waterways, where they can kill bees and other pollinators and pose a threat to birds.

Vermont lawmakers have passed a law banning the prophylactic use of treated seeds starting in 2029, with restrictions on spraying the chemicals going into effect this year.

The Legislature decided to exempt orchards and golf courses from the ban — something that rankles dairy farmers, who use treated seeds to grow corn to feed their cows.

“Vermont is a tough place to farm,” said Harold Howrigan Jr., who owns a seventh generation dairy farm in Fairfield. “If golf courses and apple orchards and others can maintain the ability to use these products, why not dairy?”