Growing Matters recently launched its annual BeSure! stewardship awareness campaign. Pollinators play a vital role within ecosystems and the food supply. Applicators and growers alike play a crucial role in utilizing proper stewardship practices during the growing season and beyond.
Here are a few best practices to protect pollinators:
- Follow directions on pesticide labels for appropriate storage, use, handling and disposal practices.
- Comply with all regulations when using registered pesticide products and help ensure proper employee training prior to application.
- Properly discard any unused product, rinse water or seed treatment by following the label disposal instructions to minimize any potential environmental impact.
USE NEONICOTINOIDS PROPERLY
Neonicotinoid insecticides are used because of their selective effectiveness against destructive insects and their proven safety to people and the environment, when used according to the label. Because of these attributes, “neonics” play a critical role in most modern integrated pest management programs. These products protect plants and significantly increase crop yields, bringing billions of dollars to the U.S. economy and benefiting not only users, but entire communities.
Like all insecticides, neonicotinoids must be used responsibly and in accordance with the label directions to avoid harmful exposures to people, wildlife and the environment. Reading and following the label use instructions is the first and most important consideration when handling any pesticide. Labels provide precise information on how to minimize potential exposures to bees or wildlife, as well as how products may be safely used, handled, stored and disposed.
STEWARDSHIP FOCUS
Good stewardship is all about adopting best-management practices to ensure products are used safely and responsibly. Growing Matters’ BeSure! campaign is an industry-wide collaboration between crop protection providers, trade associations and ag retailers. The goal is to reinforce practical stewardship practices that protect pollinators and other wildlife when handling, planting and disposing of treated seeds, as well as from other neonic applications used throughout the growing season.
AN INDUSTRY EFFORT
In addition to the Growing Matters coalition of agricultural companies, the BeSure! campaign is supported by the American Seed Trade Association, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation, CropLife America and the American Soybean Association.
Sources: Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association and Growing Matters
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