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Oct 23, 2014
Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency released an analysis of studies on the efficacy of neonicotinoid seed treatments in soybean production, specifically questioning the benefits of neonicotinoid seed treatments to soybean farmers. This analysis is seen by many as a potential first step toward the elimination of neonicotoid seed treatment use in soybeans. According to the EPA, approximately 30 to 40 percent of soybean seed is treated with neonicotoids in any given year, with large regional variances.
ASA has been working with farmers who have seen success with neonicotinoids, as well as with researchers working in collaboration with the soybean checkoff and with our key land grant university partners to compile data and information on the use of nenonicotoid seed treatments to protect soybeans from early-season insects and increase yield.
At this point, EPA will publish the analysis in the Federal Register, and invite the public to comment. Once that comment period is opened, ASA will develop its comments and submit them to the agency to fill in the gaps in their analysis. ASA will keep members updated as this issue moves forward.
