Deciding how to manage weeds, insects and diseases that routinely attack crops and landscapes is just one of many decisions farmers and applicators must make each season. When choosing crop protection tools, both effectiveness and potential impact on the environment must be considered. Protecting bees and other wildlife is a major part of good stewardship practices and is why Growing Matters launched BeSure!, an initiative to support growers and applicators in accomplishing this important goal. Here are 5 easy tips to follow this planting season: For Applicators | For Growers
NextWhether applied as a seed treatment, or as a foliar spray or soil treatment, neonicotinoid insecticides are used on farms and in urban landscapes because of their selective effectiveness against destructive insects and their proven safety to people and the environment, when used according to the label. Because of these attributes, “neonics” play a critical role in most modern integrated pest-management (IPM) programs. These products protect plants and significantly increase crop yields, bringing billions of dollars to the U.S. economy and benefiting not only users, but entire communities.
NextLike all insecticides, neonicotinoids must be used responsibly and in accordance with the label directions to avoid harmful exposures to people, wildlife and the environment. Reading and following the label use instructions is the first and most important consideration when handling any pesticide. Labels provide precise information on how to minimize potential exposures to bees or wildlife, as well as how products may be safely used, handled, stored and disposed.
NextGood stewardship is all about adopting best-management practices to ensure products are used safely and responsibly. Growing Matters’ BeSure! campaign is an industry-wide collaboration between crop protection providers, trade associations and ag retailers. Our goal is to reinforce practical stewardship practices that protect pollinators and other wildlife when handling, planting and disposing of treated seeds, as well as from other neonic applications used throughout the growing season, including a broad range of crops, turf, ornamental plants and trees.
NextIn addition to the Growing Matters coalition of agricultural companies, BeSure! is supported by the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) and National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC).
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