Beekeepers and Farmers Debate Pesticide Spraying Legislation in New Hampshire Senate Committee Hearing
The New Hampshire Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee recently hosted a hearing to discuss House Bill 1698, which proposes allowing pesticide spraying from drones without prior notification to neighbors. This legislation has sparked a debate between beekeepers and farmers, who hold differing perspectives on the matter.
Mary Ellen McKeen, president of the N.H. Beekeepers Association, emphasized the importance of notifying beekeepers before pesticide spraying to protect bee colonies. She highlighted the potential harm to bees from exposure to pesticides, which can lead to colony loss and contamination of honey and wax.
State Agriculture Commissioner Shawn Jasper expressed strong support for the bill, advocating for open communication between beekeepers and farmers rather than a notification requirement. He proposed a cooperative approach, suggesting that beekeepers inform nearby farmers about their hives and request notification before spraying occurs.
House Bill 1698 seeks to update existing laws on aerial pesticide application, originally designed for airplanes and helicopters, to include drones. Farmers argued that drone spraying allows for precise targeting, reducing pesticide use and minimizing risks to bees and other pollinators. They emphasized the impracticality of notification requirements for ground spraying and highlighted the safety measures in place for drone operations.
However, beekeepers raised concerns about the potential negative impact on bee colonies and their businesses. Joseph Mercieri, owner of White Mountain Apiary and Bee Farm, questioned whether beekeepers would be compensated for losses resulting from unnotified aerial spraying. He proposed a system for registering bee farms and implementing online notification mechanisms to ensure beekeepers are informed before spraying occurs.
The debate revolves around finding a balance between agricultural practices and environmental protection. While farmers support the use of drones for efficient pesticide application, beekeepers advocate for measures to safeguard bee health and mitigate risks associated with pesticide exposure.
The fate of House Bill 1698 rests with the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which will eventually make a recommendation to the full Senate following further deliberation.
Key Points:
- Debate centers on House Bill 1698, which proposes drone pesticide spraying without neighbor notification.
- Beekeepers stress the importance of notification to protect bee colonies from pesticide harm.
- Farmers support drone spraying for precision and efficiency but question the feasibility of notification requirements.
- The Senate committee will make recommendations on the bill's fate after further deliberation.
This impartial summary provides insights into the ongoing dialogue surrounding pesticide spraying legislation in New Hampshire, highlighting the perspectives of beekeepers and farmers alike.
