The VBA encourages you to participate in the Agency of Agriculture’s Public Hearings on Best Management Practices for the Use of Neonicotinoid Treated Article Seeds and Neonicotinoid Pesticides

Dear VBA member, 

We all know that our bees are struggling. Climate change, disease, pesticides, etc. are all putting pollinators at risk. We can’t afford to stand by. Fortunately, right now, we have a real chance to help.

Last year, VBA helped to pass legislation to phase out the use of bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticides. Now, Vermont’s Agency of Agriculture is writing the rules that will determine how the law is enforced—and they want to hear from you.

The Agency of Agriculture is in the process of drafting rules that will define the Best Management Practices (BMPs) for growers using neonicotinoid pesticides. If these rules are written too weakly, they could allow for the continued widespread use of neonics—putting the health of our pollinators at serious risk.

That’s why your voice is so important.

Over the next few weeks, there are several opportunities to speak at or attend public hearings. Your firsthand experience—and your vision for a more pollinator-friendly future—can help inform the Agency’s decisions and make clear just how much is at stake.

Public Hearing Opportunities

August 12, 2025     5:00 – 7:00 PM     Location: Virtual Only

August 14, 2025     5:00 – 7:00 PM

Location: Bixby Memorial Free Library (2 Main St, Vergennes, VT  05491)

August 2025     5:00 – 7:00 PM

Location: Poulin Grain (3916 US-5, Derby, VT 05829)

August 27, 2025     4:30 – 6:30 PM

Location: St. Albans Free Library (1 Maiden Ln, St Albans City, 05471)

September 3, 2025     5:00 – 7:00 PM

Location:  Brooks Memorial Library (224 Main St, Brattleboro, 05301)

If you’re able to commit to speaking at a hearing, please send us an email and we will outline some of the requirements when speaking at a public hearing.

The full schedule and virtual attendance options can be found here.

If you’re unable to make one of the hearings - send a quick comment urging the Agency to adopt strong rules that protect pollinators and support farmers in transitioning to safer, more sustainable practices. 

Comments should be submitted via email to PHARMRules@vermont.gov