Building on the success of the Wisconsin Neonic Forum at UW-Madison last October, we are excited to announce the formation of the Wisconsin Neonicotinoid Workgroup. The forum was a productive event that provided valuable insights into the use of neonicotinoid pesticides (neonics) in agriculture and the unintended consequences of their application. As we continue this crucial conversation, we invite all stakeholders to participate in the workgroup’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness of neonicotinoids and their impacts in Wisconsin.
The need for a neonicotinoid workgroup
Neonicotinoid pesticides have become a topic of growing concern due to their environmental impacts, particularly on aquatic ecosystems and insect populations. In Wisconsin, an estimated 95% of all corn seeds and over 50% of all soybean seeds are treated with neonics. However, research suggests that up to 90% of the pesticide does not get absorbed by the plants and instead washes off, contaminating water sources and affecting non-target species.
Despite increasing awareness, information on neonics has not been comprehensively shared among key stakeholders, including farmers and water resource managers. This has left gaps in knowledge that hinder effective decision-making. The Wisconsin Neonicotinoid Workgroup aims to bridge these gaps by fostering collaboration among researchers, conservation groups, agricultural professionals, and the public.
Workgroup goals and engagement
The primary objective of the Wisconsin Neonic workgroup is to expand our collective understanding of neonicotinoid use and its potential environmental and agricultural impacts. We seek to:
- Engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including farmers, agronomists, land managers, conservationists, policymakers, and researchers
- Share the latest research findings and study results related to neonics and their effects.
- Explore best practices to mitigate non-target impacts
- Develop educational resources and outreach opportunities to inform the broader public
By fostering an open, non-confrontational dialogue, the workgroup will facilitate meaningful discussions on the role of neonics in agriculture while also addressing concerns about their unintended environmental consequences.
Addressing information gaps
One of the key functions of the workgroup is to identify existing information gaps and ensure that knowledge is disseminated effectively. Currently, there is a lack of integrated research on neonics in Wisconsin. By connecting with experts from various fields, the workgroup will facilitate the exchange of knowledge, helping to build a well-rounded perspective on the topic. This can be shared widely across the state through presentations to agricultural producer groups and gardening clubs, and larger outreach events like we did at the first annual Wisconsin Neonic Forum last fall.
Looking ahead
The Wisconsin Neonicotinoid Workgroup is just getting started, and we encourage participation from anyone interested in learning more about this issue. Whether you are a farmer using neonics, a researcher studying their effects, or a community member concerned about environmental health, your voice is valuable in this discussion.
For more information on how to get involved, visit Clean Wisconsin’s neonicotinoid page, cleanwisconsin.org/neonics, where you can find forum recordings, additional resources, and information about how to stay involved. Together, we can work toward a more informed and sustainable approach to pesticide use in Wisconsin.
