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Pollinator-Friendly Plant Labeling Act
3/11/2024, 5:36 PM
Summary of Bill S 2199
The bill also requires that plants labeled as "pollinator-friendly" meet certain criteria, such as being free from neonicotinoid pesticides and providing adequate nutrition for pollinators. This labeling will help consumers make informed choices about the plants they purchase and encourage the use of pollinator-friendly practices in agriculture and landscaping.
Supporters of the bill argue that protecting pollinators is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability of agriculture. They believe that labeling plants treated with neonicotinoids will help reduce the use of these harmful pesticides and promote the growth of pollinator-friendly plants. Opponents of the bill argue that it could place an unnecessary burden on plant sellers and lead to confusion among consumers. They also raise concerns about the potential impact on the agricultural industry, as neonicotinoids are commonly used in pest control. Overall, the Pollinator-Friendly Plant Labeling Act aims to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators and promote the use of practices that support their health and well-being. It is currently being debated in Congress, with supporters and opponents voicing their opinions on the potential benefits and drawbacks of the legislation.
Congressional Summary of S 2199
Pollinator-Friendly Plant Labeling Act
This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a voluntary pollinator-friendly plant labeling and certification program.
Specifically, a producer (i.e., a nursery or farmer growing a plant or cultivating a seed for sale) may submit an application to USDA for approval to sell or label a plant as a USDA pollinator-friendly plant. To qualify, a plant must (1) be living; (2) have a Natural Resources Conservation Service determination that it is native to the United States and known to be beneficial to pollinators (including providing habitat and forage for pollinators); and (3) be produced without any pesticide or substance prohibited from being used in the production or handling of organic products under the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990.
USDA must approve an application for certification if the producer meets the requirements and has been third-party certified.
Further, a plant labeled as USDA pollinator-friendly must comply with additional labeling requirements (e.g., include the name of the plant producer and an instruction specifying that distributors and retailers are not permitted to apply any pesticide product to the plant).
The bill also provides for USDA investigation and enforcement authority. Any person who knowingly mislabels a plant as USDA pollinator-friendly is subject to a civil penalty.
