EPA Says Neonic Seed Treatment No Benefit to Soy

An analysis by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has concluded that neonicotinoid (neonic) insectides do not increases soybean yields.

The Agency has been reviewing the crop protection agents with an eye toward their effects on bee populations, and plans to invite public comment on its findings shortly.

During its review, EPA said it examined the effectiveness of seed treatment for pest control and estimated the impact on crop yields and quality as well as financial gains and losses.

It said its review concluded that "there is no increase in soybean yield using most neonicotinoid seed treatments when compared to using no pest control at all."

EPA noted that "many scientific publications claim that treating soybean seeds has little value," adding that alternative insecticides, which are "comparable in cost," are "available and effective."

While saying that neonic seed treatment could provide an insurance benefit against sporadic and unpredictable insect pests, the environmental watchdog remarked that "the potential benefit is not likely to be large or widespread throughout the United States."

EPA said the analysis is an important part of the science it will use to move forward with its periodic review of the risks and benefits of neonicotinoid pesticides to determine if they still meet safety standards.

The agency can order that use of products not meeting the standards be discontinued. It can also place limits on use or require label changes.

In contrast, to the EU, which has placed a two-year moratorium on the use of neonics on crops attractive to bees, the US has not yet officially taken any action. Environmental groups repeatedly have accused EPA of foot dragging.