By Jamie Nickel
Vermont farmers will soon face new restrictions on one of the most widely used classes of insecticides, neonicotinoid insecticides.
The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), One Hive Foundation and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets are investing $150,000 through the Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) program to study how farmers can protect crops and maintain yields as Vermont phases out most uses of neonicotinoid insecticides.
Why it matters:
Insects can damage crops and spread disease, reducing yields and farmer profits. Neonicotinoids provide broad protection against pests, but research has also linked them to harmful effects on beneficial insects and other non-target organisms.
Vermont passed a law in 2024 that bans most neonicotinoid uses beginning Jan. 1, 2029. The change could significantly affect corn and soybean growers who use treated seed to protect crops from early-season pests such as seedcorn maggot and wireworm.
Finding what works:
Led by Dr. Heather Darby, Extension Professor and Agronomic and Soils Specialist at the University of Vermont, researchers are studying three factors that could manage pests with less reliance on neonicotinoids: soil management, planting dates and alternative seed treatments.
Source : uvm.edu