NCGA Reinforces Importance of Seed Treatments in Comments to EPA

This week the National Corn Growers Association submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the importance of neonicotinoids as part of the registration review process for three products.

The comments reinforced the importance of the neonicotinoid products being considered for reregistration – Clothianidin, Thiamethoxam and Imidacloprid – which are found in common corn seed treatments to combat early-season pests that attack seeds and seedlings when they are at their most vulnerable.

Without access to these products, losses to farmers could reach $848 million annually, primarily related to yield loss, according to research by AgInfomatics. Few insecticidal seed treatments exist outside of these products.

Neonicotinoids work well and are important because they help assure corn crop viability and allow for precise application of the pesticide to seeds, thus reducing non-target exposure and environmental runoff.

NCGA reinforced its ongoing commitment to education related to the proper use, handling, and disposal of neonicotinoids to limit environmental exposure and assure the health and safety of mammals, birds, and pollinators.

EPA will review all submitted comments and, in the coming months, issue a final interim decision. A final decision will be issued after all products are reviewed in accordance with the Endangered Species Act.