Bees, birds, and other pollinators are dying off at an alarming rate, threatening not only biodiversity but our agricultural economy.
But in Vermont, there is a growing groundswell of public interest in protecting their populations and the crucial pollination benefits they provide. A broad coalition of farmers, scientists, nonprofit organizations, and businesses is supporting this effort.
The problem
One of the culprits causing the sharp decline in pollinators and bird species is a class of pesticides, called neonicotinoids or “neonics.”
These chemicals are highly toxic to insects and birds and they persist in our environment causing contamination of our water and soil.
They also pose a threat to human health and other mammals.
By some estimates, 99% of corn and 34% of soybean crops are grown from neonic coated seeds, yet studies find these chemicals do little to benefit farmers economically or in terms of crop yield.
The member organizations of “Protect Our Pollinators VT” believe that it is time to stop the use of the toxic neonic pesticides and help Vermont farmers transition to sustainable alternatives so we can better protect pollinators and public health, ensure a healthy ecosystem, and bring greater autonomy back to our local farming community.
Who are we?
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