The bill passed the state Legislature near the end of the 2023 legislative session, but Hochul waited until the week between Christmas and New Year’s to sign the bill. Hochul was lobbied by the bill’s supporters and those with concerns before deciding to sign the bill with negotiated amendments.

The Birds and Bees Act targets neonicotinoids, which are typically used by soybean and corn farms. Seeds are coated with a nicotine-based substance to keep insects away. Farmers have argued the substances are better for the environment than other environmentally damaging tactics like crop dusting while environmental advocates say the neonicotinoids are part of the reason for the state’s decreasing bee populations.

“By signing the Birds and Bees Protection Act, New York is taking a significant stride in protecting our kids, environment and essential pollinators,” Hochul said in a press release. “This law underscores our commitment to fostering a thriving ecosystem while we prioritize sustainable farming and agricultural practices.”

Under the negotiated agreement, the DEC will implement restrictions in 2029, a two-year extension from the original bill. Farmers will be able to apply for waivers every two years.

Gov. Kathy Hochul is pictured during a recent news conference. The governor’s decision to sign the Birds and Bees Act is being met with mixed reaction locally.

“This is just another example of Albany making decisions based upon “left-wing” ideology,” said Stephen Cheney, who owns a small, family-run, farm in Stockton, during a telephonic interview. “We’ve used these pesticides for years, the E.P.A (Environmental Protection Agency) has deemed them safe, and now, now, New York state has determined they know more than a governmental agency whose sole job is to protect the environment.”

However, according to the New York Farm Bureau this compromise was well received and appreciated.

“New York Farm Bureau greatly appreciates Gov. Hochul’s leadership in offering thoughtful chapter amendments on the “Birds and Bees Protection Act.” (S1856-A/A7460) She sought input from all sides and reached consensus on a balanced approach that ensures farms will have safe risk management tools that they need to grow food for our state,” in a press release statement.

The owner of a local, large, commercial farm seemed to take a somewhat of an indifferent approach when it comes to the “Birds and the Bees.”

“I’m not really sure why this law is on the books,” said Rick Walker, the owner and operator of Walker’s Wine and Juice LLC, located in Forestville, N.Y. “There are elements in the bill that does not apply to some farmers and part of it won’t go into effect until 2029…will there be any bees alive then. I am very particular about what pesticides I use. Our main products are grapes and cherries. Also, most farmers that use seeds, spray the chemicals on the seed directly so as not to harm bees and birds, instead of air-borne spraying, which could harm the environment.”

Both Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, R-Jamestown, and state Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, argued against the Birds and Bees Act in their respective chamber.

The New York Farm Bureau, which had lobbied against the legislation, signaled its support for Hochul’s compromise.

“New York Farm Bureau greatly appreciates Gov. Hochul’s leadership in offering thoughtful chapter amendments on the ‘Birds and Bees Protection Act,'” said David Fisher, New York Farm Bureau president. “She sought input from all sides and reached consensus on a balanced approach that ensures farms will have safe risk management tools that they need to grow food for our state. All along, New York Farm Bureau opposed an outright ban and encouraged leaders to follow the science, letting experts from the Department of Environmental Conservation maintain regulatory control as opposed to the state legislature. This will continue as DEC, along with input from the Department of Agriculture and Markets, will set regulations centered on proper Integrated Pest Management. New York Farm Bureau will work with both departments to provide continued input throughout this regulatory process.

Seeds treated with neonicotinoids were designed to be safer and reduce pesticide use. Farmers take their role as environmental stewards seriously. We continuously look for ways to improve our best management practices based on sound science, and the revised legislation signed today will allow us to do just that.”