The Environmental Protection Agency has put out their proposed rule on neonicotinoid insecticides. Beekeepers across the country have been voicing concern over their impact on pollinators and hampering bee health. EPA’s proposed interim rule says management measures are needed to help keep pesticides on the intended target and reduce the amount used on crops associated with potential ecological risks. South Dakota Beekeeper Bret Adee says pesticide management is critical in protecting pollinators.

The proposed interim rule also places restrictions on when pesticides can be applied to blooming crops in order to limit exposure to bees. Adee says the problem of applying neonicotinoids when crops are in bloom is that they stay in the fields for a long time.

He says to protect bees and pollinators, producers need to use insecticides that have a short residual toxicity.

The EPA is working with the ag industry to develop stewardship and best management practice guidelines as they work through this interim rule. Once this rule is submitted to the Federal Register there will be a 60-day comment period.