Growing Matters has kicked off its annual BeSure! campaign to promote best stewardship practices when using neonicotinoid products. Using a wide range of media channels, the campaign reminds growers, crop protection applicators and others to follow label directions to minimize any potential impact on pollinators and other wildlife.
Since its inception in 2019, the BeSure! campaign is estimated to have reached millions of growers and applicators. It has provided them with access to multiple informational resources to help use crop treatments responsibly.
The campaign has been endorsed by the American Seed Trade Association, the National Pesticide Safety Education Center, CropLife America and others.
Neonicotinoids and other crop protection products ensure that growers can continue to grow the U.S. food supply at a sustainable rate, while minimizing risk to surrounding wildlife. Citrus growers, for example, use crop protection products to combat the devastating HLB disease, which has shrunk Florida’s citrus production by 80%. Used safely and properly, neonicotinoids can help combat HLB by controlling its insect vectors.
“Honey bees, other wildlife, and all segments of the Florida orange blossom honey industry rely heavily on blossoming citrus trees,” said Mike Aerts, vice president of science and regulatory affairs at the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association. He said the BeSure! campaign “reminds us that we all have a responsibility to protect the biodiversity of our planet through proper stewardship practices.”
Growers, applicators and others can find for up-to-date stewardship tips and information here.
Over the coming weeks, the campaign will share relevant updates and best stewardship tips via social media, radio programming, outreach via industry trade groups and a variety of digital content.
Growing Matters is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to scientific discourse on the stewardship, benefits and alternatives of neonicotinoid insecticides in North America. The joint effort is led by Bayer CropScience, Syngenta, Valent U.S.A. LLC , BASF Agricultural Solutions and Mitsui Chemicals Agro, Inc.
Source: Growing Matters
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