An agronomist says new regulations around neonicotinoids will make it very difficult for producers who want to use the treated seeds.
Deb Campbell gave an overview of the new rules at Grey Bruce Farmers' Week in Elmwood.
In the past, farmers used neonic treated seeds as a preventative measure.
Campbell says now they'll have to make a case for the need and provide reams of documentation before the seed representative is allowed to deliver the treated seed.
"We have to identify the pests, document the need and you can imagine for large producers with a lot of volume of acres that this is quite expensive," said Campbell.
The government wants to eventually reduce the use of neonics by 80 per cent.
Some beekeepers claim the pesticide is killing their bees.
Campbell says there are a wide variety of reasons for lost hives, not necessarily just neonics.
The new regulations around neonics became official last July.
This spring will be the first full growing season under the new rules.
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Campbell says reams of documentation are also needed before seed representatives are allowed to deliver the treated seeds.
[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/CAMPBELL-Nics-1.mp3"][/audio]
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Campbell says they now have to make a case for the need and provide reams of documentation before the seed representative is able to deliver the treated seeds.
[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/CAMPBELL-Nics-2.mp3"][/audio]
