May 17, 2018NPC files comments on ‘neonics’
The National Potato Council has filed comments with the Environmental Protection Agency urging a science-based approach to their assessment of four neonicotinoid insecticides (“neonics”). Neonics have been under scrutiny from the previous presidential administration for a potential link to their usage and bee colony collapse.
The NPC wrote the letter to remind the EPA that “Neonicotinoids are an extremely important part of the pest management programs for potato growers. Due to the importance of neonicotinoids, growers are particularly careful to employ use patterns that reduce the potential for pests to develop resistance.”
Additionally, NPC told the EPA that it is unlikely and inconsistent with actual practices in the field for growers to apply pesticides at maximum rates and for the maximum number of allowed applications.
“Assumptions for the neonicotinoids regarding use at maximum rates and number of applications are equally unlikely and unrealistic,” the group wrote. “We urge the Agency to revisit those assumptions.”
