Neonics: Highly Valued and Critically Needed in the Green Industry

Research confirms that neonicotinoids are highly valued by consumers and critically needed by Green Industry professionals to manage pests, safeguard landscapes and protect property

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Growing Matters

Mar 19, 2015, 06:00 ET

MADISON, Wis., March 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In their final report evaluating the socio-economic value of neonicotinoid insecticides in the Green Industry, independent researchers reveal that these products are critically important in maintaining safe, healthy and sustainable landscapes. The research shows that the benefits contributed by neonicotinoids are highly valued by consumers and that these products have become the cornerstone of successful integrated pest management (IPM) programs used by turf and ornamental professionals to protect plants, people and property from destructive and invasive pests.

This report provides an overview of five separate studies targeting representative segments of the diverse U.S. Green Industry, which is estimated to exceed $70 billion in sales and represents more than 400,000 businesses. The research was conducted by AgInfomatics, LLC, an independent consulting firm, assisted by eight professors associated with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Minnesota-St. Paul, and Washington State University. The value of neonicotinoids in the Green Industry was determined by answering the question, "What would happen if neonicotinoids were no longer available?"

Neonics are Highly Valued by Homeowners
Of the nearly 19,000 persons agreeing to participate in a survey, 7,472 met the research criteria of having personally used or had professionals apply insecticides to their lawn, flowers, shrubs or trees and successfully completed the questionnaire. Estimating the economic value to homeowners is based on their responses to multiple attributes, such as effectiveness, safety, cost and environmental impact, and their 'willingness to pay' for these attributes. The study shows that consumers find great value in the benefits provided by neonicotinoids and are willing to pay in excess of $100 more per year over alternate options, when averaged across all uses.

Turf and Ornamental Professionals Depend on Neonics
A detailed survey of 750 turf and ornamental (T&O) professionals finds that neonicotinoids are the top-ranked products used in their management program to control pests in greenhouses, nurseries, lawns, landscapes and trees. Nearly 60 percent of all T&O professionals identify neonicotinoids as their "most used" insecticide, and 73 percent say there are no acceptable alternatives. Most professionals fear the loss of these products would reduce the quality of their plants and services, increase costs, limit their ability to manage insect resistance and negatively impact their ability to safely manage pests, especially around people and pets.

Neonics Help Protect Jobs and Communities
The research includes three in-depth case studies which provide deeper insights to the value of neonicotinoids in specific market segments and what this means to the local communities.

The Florida turfgrass industry has an economic contribution of $3 billion and nearly 84,000 jobs. The southern chinch bug causes severe damage to home lawns and has developed resistance to many commonly used insecticides. Without neonicotinoids, service providers would lose an important tool used in IPM programs and fear this would lead to increased pest resistance and an inability to protect lawns and property values.
Neonicotinoids play a critical role in protecting against the introduction of invasive species, including the silverleaf whitefly, as part of the multi-billion dollar horticulture import industry. The U.S. greenhouse industry is also dependent on neonicotinoids to control this pest. Because the whitefly is prone to rapid resistance development, neonicotinoids are a key component of producer IPM practices, as few effective alternatives are available.
The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive pest that has devastated entire communities of ash trees in its rapid spread across North America. The U.S. Forest Service estimates that EAB will cost $10.7 billion through 2019 for treating, removing and replacing infected trees. Neonicotinoids have successfully protected thousands of trees at a fraction of the cost of removing them ($100 versus up to $1700 per tree). Without treatment, the loss of trees has an immense negative impact on neighborhoods and property values.

Despite the diversity of markets that comprise the Green Industry, the research clearly shows that neonicotinoids play a major pest management role in nearly all of them. There are few, if any, alternative products that match the overall benefits provided by these products. The loss of neonicotinoids to this industry would disrupt successful IPM programs, reduce the quality of plant goods and services, and have devastating consequences to local communities and economies.

Report Reference
Executive Summary: The Value of Neonicotinoid Insecticides in Turf and Ornamentals

This is the final report in a series recently undertaken to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the economic and societal benefits of neonicotinoid insecticides in North America. The research was conducted by AgInfomatics, a consulting firm of independent agricultural economists and scientists, and jointly commissioned and sponsored by Bayer CropScience, Mitsui Chemicals Agro, Inc., Syngenta and Valent U.S.A. Corporation.

All reports are published online at: www.GrowingMatters.org.

About Growing Matters
Growing Matters is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to scientific discourse on the stewardship, benefits and alternatives of neonicotinoid insecticides in North America. Bayer CropScience, Syngenta and Valent U.S.A. Corporation are leading this coalition with support from Mitsui Chemicals Agro, Inc.

Agriculture and horticulture are key to nourishing families and communities. Feeding a growing population, enhancing the beauty of our surroundings, and sustaining a commitment to environmental protection are fundamental needs that matter. Crop protection products, both natural and synthetic, are important tools that protect plants from tough and invasive pests that can devastate crops and urban landscapes.

Go to www.GrowingMatters.org for the latest information, reports, videos and infographics on the benefits of neonicotinoid insecticides or to show your support.

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