Neonicotinoid-treated seed comments due by July 31, Minnesota Department of Agriculture says

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ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has urged residents to comment on current rules surrounding widely-used seed treatments before the conclusion of a public comment period at the end of July.

Following a January court order, the MDA has been investigating whether existing rules surrounding neonicotinoid-treated seeds, which have allegedly become a source of contamination, should be amended to reflect findings of ongoing research.

Specifically, comments should address whether Minnesota Rules Chapter 1505 provides adequate environmental protection from the use of neonicotinoid-treated crop seeds, which have allegedly caused pollution, impairment, and destruction to natural resources.

Commenters are encouraged to view the MDA’s website, which details existing laws and rules related to neonicotinoid and pesticide-treated seeds, before providing supporting evidence and information to help the MDA in its consideration.

Comments must be received by July 31. Submit comments through an online form on the MDA’s Neonicotinoid-Treated Seed Public Comment website or by email to TreatedSeed.MDA@state.mn.us with the subject line: “Treated Seed Public Comment.”

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