The primary method for dispersing neonicotinoids is via seed treatments. Neonics are used in high concentrations in the coatings of seeds used to grow corn, canola, sunflowers, soy, other vegetables, and more. A neonic treated seed retains only 2-5% of the pesticide, while the rest leaches into the surrounding environment. A 2024 analysis of land use practices, pesticides, and butterfly survey data across the Midwest found that butterfly abundance and species richness, including the migratory monarch, were particularly impacted by the practice of planting neonicotinoid-treated seeds.
If neonic treated seeds provided significant benefit to farmers, the case for their continued use could be made more easily. On the contrary, independent scientists as well as government experts have found that neonicotinoid seed treatments’ positive impact on agricultural productivity is marginal at best, in part because they are used so pervasively regardless of whether there is need or not. Since pest pressures requiring their use are rare, these seed treatments add to farmers’ upfront costs without providing a consistent return on investment. In fact, they can even result in lower yields than crops grown without neonicotinoids by killing off beneficial insects. Unfortunately, farmers are typically denied the choice of how or when to use un- or selectively-treated seeds, even as they are becoming more precise in other areas of management. The decision to put neonics and other coatings on seeds is typically made by the agribusinesses that control most of the global patented seed market, making it difficult for growers to source neonic-free seeds.
What's next?
Like us, monarch butterflies and their young need food, shelter, and a safe place to live. The proposed threatened species listing under the Endangered Species Act is an important first step to providing these necessities. This is one of those rare wildlife conservation issues that isn’t difficult to “sell.” After all, who doesn’t want to live in a world where monarch butterflies still fly? The real question is whether we will commit to realizing this dream. Lasting recovery of this magnificent species will depend not only on government protections, but also collaboration among landowners, farmers, conservationists, and everyday citizens who can help safeguard critical habitats along their astonishing 3,000-mile migratory route to survival.
