As Consumer Choice Center, we believe that [Vermont] Bill H.706 – which plans to ban the use of neonicotinoid treated seeds starting 2029, – should not be passed. Our organization stands up for available, affordable, innovative and sustainable food.
We oppose bills that we think makes food more expensive for consumers — but the entire conversation on neonic bans isn’t just about food affordability, the bill itself, we believe, is based on faulty premises.
In short:
- This legislation would adversely impact consumers, with reduced food security and higher prices
- This bill would negatively impact farmers
- This bill would increase the overall use of pesticides and its associated costs
- Jurisdictions that have implemented a similar ban have experienced higher costs
- This bill lacks a proper impact assessment
- This bill is not backed by sufficient evidence on the effects of pollinators
Pesticides come at an expense to farmers and their business– this spend is made out of the necessity of protecting their crops. This applies as a general rule to crop protection. As an example, Vermont dairy farmers, who fertilize their corn with cow manure: this is a sustainable practice, but it attracts seedcorn maggots, which can cause total crop loss. This is why farmers use neonic-treated seeds, because they are effective in repelling against all sorts of pests. These chemicals have been effectively used since the 1990s, and they ensure that consumers get a reliable food supply.
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