Minnesota governor issues executive order restricting uses of neonicotinoid pesticides

Minnesota governor Mark Dayton has issued an executive order restricting uses of neonicotinoid pesticides to reverse the decline of bee and other pollinator populations.

Dayton made the announcement Friday at the Minnesota State Fair, joined by state agency heads and legislative leaders. He points out that pollinators are crucial to the state's $90 billion agricultural sector, but they've been in decline over the past decade.

"Bees and other pollinators play a critical role in supporting both our environment, and our economy," said Governor Mark Dayton. "This order directs state government to take immediate action to alleviate the known risks that pollinators face. It also will create a new taskforce to study the issues impacting pollinators and recommend long-term solutions."

Among other things, the governor's order says state regulators should require verification that the use of neonicotinoid pesticides is necessary due to imminent threats of significant crop losses.

"Pollinators are vital to agriculture and agriculture is a vital to the state of Minnesota," said Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson. "The Governor's action today underscores how important it is for the state to be a leader in the response to protect our pollinator population."

Dayton's order also creates a new task force to study issues impacting pollinators and to recommend long-term solutions.

And he's ordering state government to lead by example and take immediate steps to restore pollinator health on state property.