KARA submits public comment to EPA on Neonicotinoids

KARA submits public comment to EPA on Neonicotinoids

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced a registration review of neonicotinoid insecticides to ensure the products meet the latest scientific standards, and opened a public comment period. Registration review includes: Imidacloprid, Clothianidin, Dinotefuran and Thiamethoxam. EPA plans to review all these insecticides to ensure consistency across the class. As part of this multistep process, EPA is seeking public comments on the current proposed interim decisions released on January 30, 2020.

Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association (KARA) provided analysis on neonicotinoid insecticides reporting Kansas is a leading producer in agricultural crops and regulatory actions affecting grain production, and the sale of inputs and crop protection products utilized in growing those crops, will affect its members’ ability to serve Kansas farmers. Many KARA members register pesticide products for sale in the state of Kansas and sell herbicide products to farmers. In addition, many KARA members provide licensed, commercial crop protection consultation and application services.

In summary, KARA requested EPA to refine the registration review process, as necessary, to ensure that EPA’s risk assessments, decisions, and best management practices are based on sound science, real-world situations and benefits, and peer-reviewed field data.

KARA noted pesticides are highly regulated products in commercial use, with more than120 different baseline studies required for new EPA registrations. These studies assess safety to humans, wildlife, and the environment. On average it takes around 11 years for a new product to be registered, sold and used in the U.S. marketplace.

Neonics are a modern class of insecticides that have been widely adopted to manage some of the most destructive insect pests on crops. All pesticides, including neonics, are required to undergo periodic evaluation to ensure they continue to meet the highest standards of safety necessary to protect human health and the environment.

The comment explained the wide variety of uses for neonics such as soybeans, wheat, cotton, sorghum, and canola. They are also used on many smaller-acreage horticultural crops, ornamental plants, lawns and even on pets for flea control. These pesticide products are extremely valuable for America’s agricultural industry because of their use in integrated pest management (IPM) programs.

The comment also reported neonic products are used in place of many older insecticides because of their effectiveness in pest management programs and favorable environmental profile and mammalian safety. Neonic insecticides help ensure beneficial insects remain available to keep other potential pests in check due to their selective control of target pests. If farmers were potentially forced to rely on older classes of chemistry, this could result in reduced yields, more frequent sprays, higher costs, and reduced spectrum of pests impacted.

To view the full comment submitted to EPA by KARA, click the button below.

John Deere Sprayer in a field

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To view a PDF of the entire comment KARA submitted to the EPA, please click the button below. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this comment, please contact Randy Stookey (randy@kansasag.org // 785.234.0463).

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This communication is meant for Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association members only. No portion of this communication may be copied or reproduced without prior express written permission.



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