New research in Vermont about bee exposure to neonicotinoids is paving the way to ban the pesticides altogether. For several years, scientists at the Vermont Bee Lab have been sending bee pollen collected from hives across the state to a laboratory at Cornell University that can detect tiny amounts of various substances.
In 2023, the Vermont Bee Lab sent Cornell more samples than ever before. Out of 61 pollen samples, the lab found 309 instances of 34 pesticides. Around 30% of the samples tested positive for neonicotinoids. This research has helped scientists understand that honey bees, as well as native pollinators, are often exposed to neonics which are toxic to them in miniscule amounts.
In addition to the new research, Vermont is leveraging its neighbor state of New York’s new legislation, the 'Birds and Bees Act,’ to propose Vermont H.706, which also proposes banning neonicotinoids altogether.
The Pollinator Stewardship Council will continue to closely monitor this legislation and actively support it. Banning the use of neonicotinoid pesticides is imperative to preserving pollinators and the agricultural industry of the state.
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