Neonics Update 03.15.24

H.706 - prohibiting the use of field crop seeds (corn, soy, wheat, and cereal) treated with neonicotinoids ("neonics") starting in 2029, restricting outdoor uses of neonics that are harmful to pollinators, and requiring best management practices for allowed neonicotinoid uses - will likely be voted out of the House Committee on Appropriations by the end of this week, and on to a vote before the full House during the week of March 18. On February 21st, Rural Vermont offered testimony (beginning minute 38), along with the Champlain Valley Farmers’ Coalition to the House Agriculture Committee. Reach out to your representatives in the House now asking them to support the passage of H.706 on the House floor!

A statewide public opinion survey conducted this month by Data for Progress on behalf of the nonprofit Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG)found nearly universal agreement among Vermonterabout the importance of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and moths, and deep concern over their declining numbers.

Most significantly, the survey also found 83% of Vermonters in support of “a phaseout of nearly all neonic pesticides in Vermont, with exemptions available in case of emergency.” This language tracks the key elements of the legislation (H.706) that is expected to be taken up by the full House of Representatives this week.

Regarding a possible phaseout of the use of nearly all neonic pesticides in Vermont, there was strong support across the political spectrum.

67% of Republicans favored the phaseout, while 87% of independents, and 88% of Democrats did as well. Overall, 50% of Vermonters strongly supported the idea and another 33% somewhat supported it. Just 11% expressed any opposition to the idea.

More details and information on the polling questions can be found HERE.

Now is the time to contact your reps and help ensure that this bill passes the House Floor vote later this week! We anticipate H.706 reaching the House floor in the next few days. Despite this bill moving favorably thus far through committees - there are indications it may face more resistance on the floor. It is critical that community members, in particular farmers and farmworkers, contact their representatives in the House, urge them to support this bill, and explain why it is important to you that they vote in favor of a just transition away from the widespread use of neonicotinoid pesticides. You can find more information about this bill as well as sample messaging and instructions HERE!