Birds & Bees Protection Act Signed by Governor Hochul
Governor Kathy Hochul signed the groundbreaking Birds and Bees Protection Act (S1856-A/A7640), a historic achievement celebrated by a coalition of farmers, health professionals, and environmental groups. The bill, championed by sponsors Assemblymember Glick and Senator Hoylman-Sigal, addresses the largest neonic use – coatings on corn and soybean seeds, with an extensive report showing no economic benefits to farmers. Notably, over 370 New York farms, businesses, and organizations, including chefs and food professionals, along with support from the craft beverage industry, emphasized the bill's importance. This legislation marks a crucial step forward in protecting New York's food systems, ecosystems, and public health, as neonic pesticides, recognized as the most ecologically destructive since DDT, harm pollinators and contribute to mass losses of bees. Our support is based on the understanding that many neonic uses are not economically beneficial and can be replaced with safer alternatives.
By passing this bill, we aim to eliminate harmful neonic uses, protecting our pollinators, farmers, businesses, and the overall well-being of New Yorkers. The NY-SBC, representing over 2,000 businesses, believes this legislation is a significant step toward a more sustainable and healthy economy in New York State.
Our memo of support.