This Debated New Act Could Impact NYS Farmers & Golf Courses

Have you heard of the 'Birds & Bees Protection Act' in New York State? The bill labeled S1856A began in the beginning of 2023.

The 'Birds & Bees Protection Act'  bill has already passed in the New York State Senate and Assembly, and now awaits either an acceptance or rejection from New York State Governor Kathy Hochul.

According to the NYS Senate Bill, if signed by Governor Hochul, it would  "prohibit the sale, distribution or purchase by any person within the state of corn, soybean or wheat seeds coated or treated with pesticides with the active ingredients clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, or acetamiprid" beginning January 1, 2027.

Also, the bill would "prohibit the application or treatment of outdoor ornamental plants and turf, except for the production of agricultural commodities, with a pesticide containing the active ingredients imidacloprid, thiamethoxam or acetamiprid on or after July 1, 2025, and the active ingredients clothianidin or dinotefuran effective immediately unless the NYS DEC determines and justifies with a detailed written order that a valid environmental emergency exists; the pesticide would be effective in addressing the environmental emergency; and no other, less harmful pesticide or pest management practice would be effective in addressing the environ- mental emergency.

According to the New York Post, this would be a problem with golf courses throughout New York State who rely on certain pesticides that they use on grass seeds to prevent pests from damaging the golf course.

Also, according to Spectrum News 1, those against the bill, are asking Governor Hochul to reject it, because the ban would erode pest protections for farmers in the state, and "force them to return to spraying gallons of the pesticide in the air."

Spectrum News 1 reports that Governor Hochul "could veto the bill and request the DEC study and further regulate neonic-treated seeds."

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