About the Birds and Bees Protection Act

• December 22, 2023—Birds and Bees Protection Act was signed into law, prohibiting the use of certain neonicotinoid insecticide-treated field and sweet corn, soybean or wheat seeds and neonicotinoid pesticides for outdoor ornamental plants and turf, except those used for agricultural production, in an effort to protect birds, bees and other wildlife.
• December 31, 2024—The use of insecticides containing the active ingredients clothianidin or dinotefuran is PROHIBITED for outdoor ornamental plants and turf, except for use in agricultural production.
• December 31, 2026—The use of insecticides containing the active ingredients imidacloprid, thiamethoxam or acetamiprid is PROHIBITED for outdoor ornamental plants and turf, except for use in agricultural production.
• January 1, 2029—The sale, use or distribution of any corn (field and sweet corn), soybean or wheat seeds treated with neonicotinoid insecticides (clothianidin, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam or any other neonicotinoid as determined by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation) is prohibited. To access neonicotinoid-treated seeds after January 1, 2029, growers must request a waiver.

Waivers

Growers will be able to request waivers from the DEC. Waivers will be good for two years and will be issued only upon completion of:

• Integrated Pest Management Certification
• Pest Risk Assessment
• A Pest Risk Assessment Report

Neonicotinoids Risk Assessment and Certification

• Turf and landscape pesticide applicators (Category 3A and 3B)—Take Introduction to Neonicotinoid Insecticides (0.5 credit in NY)
• Agricultural applicators (Category 1A)—Not required to take a certification course until 2029