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Lawmakers move to ban pesticide-treated seeds amid declining bee population in New York

The New York State Legislature is set to vote on a bill banning the sale of seeds pre-treated with neonicotinoid pesticides, which have been linked to a decline in the bee population, despite strong opposition from farmers and businesses.


The legislation, named the Birds and Bees Protection Act, aims to ban common crop seeds treated with this widely used insecticide, as per a state-funded report from Cornell University.

Lawmakers say the substance’s detrimental effects on bees, birds, and human health, deeming it dangerous.

The proposed ban has sparked controversy, particularly among farmers and golf course operators who argue that alternatives to neonic-treated seeds are significantly more expensive and potentially harmful.