Monday, Bluestem posted about how the MN House Ag Policy committee was likely to delete pollinator-friendly language from omnibus bill.
That came to pass--then the committee heard passionate testimony about the original language was a common sense first step for allowing the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to study and gather data about seeds treated with pesticides. The intent wasn't to ban coated seeds; indeed, one University of Minnesota scientist discussed how engineers at John Deere are hoping for data about pesticide drift from coated seeds that would enable them to design better corn planters.
Such planters would help farmers lose less of the coatings while also helping beneficial insects like pollinators.
Here's the video of the testimony from supporters of the treated seed program sought by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture:
Photo: Bees need help.
If you appreciate our posts and original analysis, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 33166 770th Ave, Ortonville, MN 56278) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. Those wishing to make a small ongoing monthly contribution should click on the paypal subscription button.
Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email [email protected] as recipient.
Comments