I am very proud that my resolution on neonicotinoid treated seed, which was seconded by Councillor Eek, was unanimously supported at Council on July 7th. It is time that there be real action to address the risk to honey bees and other pollinators associated with the use of neonicotinoid corn and soybean seed. Sustainable King hosted an information meeting in April to provide a learning opportunity for the public by hearing from those in the agriculture sector. Following that meeting the Sustainability Committee endorsed my proposal for this resolution. Here is the resolution.

As the resolution says, it is very clear that King needed to say something on this issue. Our own sustainability requires that we have a robust agricultural sector; our sector includes many crops which need pollination and it also includes corn and soybean growers. Furthermore, as a municipality striving to be sustainable we simply cannot ignore this serious threat to our food chain.

I am delighted that the newly appointed Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has confirmed intent to take firm action. (It was a nice coincidence that it was same day that our resolution passed.)

I am also very happy to say that King has continued to avoid use of landscape products treated with these pesticides since its self imposed prohibition of such following a recommendation from KEAC nearly 10 years ago.