Neonics don't increase soybean yields, EPA report concludes

Thursday, October 16, 2014

by SUSAN MANN

Ontario grain farmers consider neonicotinoid pesticides just as important for use in soybeans as they do for corn but it’s unclear if that position will change now that the American Environmental Protection Agency has found there is little or no yield increase from using the treated seeds.

Barry Senft, CEO of Grain Farmers of Ontario, says most of the discussion on neonicotiniods has centred on their use in corn but farmers have told him they consider the pesticide equally important for use in soybeans “not only from the yield perspective but also on the quality side of things. They have better quality soybeans.”

Senft estimates that neonicotinoid seed treatments are only used on about 40 per cent of soybeans in Ontario. “Farmers are using a targeted approach on seed treatment in soybeans already.”

The Ontario Beekeepers’ Association estimates in an Oct. 17 press release that as many as 65 per cent of the province’s soybeans have been treated with neonicotinoids.

The popular pesticide class that is used on a variety of crops throughout the world has come under criticism for its impact on pollinators, including honeybees. In Ontario two beekeepers have launched a class action lawsuit against two pesticide manufacturers, claiming neonicotinoids have damaged their bee colonies and affected their profits. None of the allegations has been proven in court.

Ontario grows 70 per cent of Canada’s soybeans on nearly 2.5 million acres in the province.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says in an Oct. 16 news release, it concluded there is little or no increase in soybean yields using most neonicotinoid seed treatments when compared to no pest control at all. The EPA says it is reviewing the pesticide “with particular emphasis for their impact on pollinators.” Other conclusions of the EPA analysis include:

• Alternative insecticides applied as sprays are available and effective.
• All major alternatives are comparable in cost.
• Neonicotinoid seed treatments could provide an insurance benefit against sporadic and unpredictable insects pests but this potential benefit is not likely to be large or widespread throughout the United States.

During its review of neonicotinoids, the EPA says it found many scientific publications “claim that treating soybean seeds has little value,” the release says.

In Canada, Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency is also conducting a pollinator risk assessment review and an assessment of the value of neonicotinoids. Sara Lauer, Health Canada media relations officer, says by email the department will be reviewing the findings of the EPA’s document “as it relates to the value of neonicotinoid seed treatments for soybean crops in Canada.”

She adds Health Canada is planning to publish an interim assessment report on its reevaluation of neonicotinoids in 2015.

Health Canada is “actively reviewing the emerging body of scientific and monitoring data and is conducting an extensive reevaluation of all agricultural uses of neonicotinoid pesticides in cooperation with the U.S. EPA and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation,” she notes.

The Canadian health department is also working with other key government organizations and stakeholders in the Bee Health Forum, established by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to investigate bee health matters and make recommendations for further action.

CropLife Canada deferred commenting on the EPA’s findings until next week. Senior communications officer Erin O’Hara says by email they haven’t yet had a chance to review the EPA’s findings.

Ontario Beekeepers Association president Dan Davidson notes research from field trials in Ontario show “there’s no real risk to soybeans from soil-borne insects.”

He says he hopes the EPA information is taken into account by decision makers as Ontario develops a permit system for neonicotinoid use. The system is expected to be introduced in July.

Davidson says the EPA finding strengthens calls here in Ontario to discontinue or limit the neonicotinoid seed treatment’s use.

EPA says its analysis is an important part of the science the agency will use to move forward with the assessment of risks and benefits under its review of the registration of neonicotinoid pesticides. BF