Protecting Our Pollinators
The rapid decline of global bee populations has been a growing concern over the past few years and continues to be a topic of interest. We don’t fully understand why we are losing bees at such an alarming rate, and researchers are scrambling to come up with an accurate explanation and effective strategies to combat this problem. Of the many theorized causes, which range from climate change and habitat loss to infections and malnutrition, one has attracted the most attention and backlash: neonicotinoids (neonics).
Neonicotinoids are a class of synthetic pesticides commonly used in the horticulture and agriculture industry. Compared with older types of pesticides, such as organophosphates, neonics were more effective and safer to humans, mammals, birds, and fish. This clearly contributed to the widespread use of these chemicals for pest control. However, recent publicity regarding the potential toxicity of these chemicals to bees has put neonics on the hot seat. This mass movement against neonics has led to a ban of its use by the European Union and many initiatives to have other countries follow suit.
We are not claiming that neonics are definitively the cause of declining bee populations. The truth is that we still do not know. Scientific research is still split on the issue, with some studies finding connections while others do not.
Regardless, Tried & True is proudly neonicotinoid-free. We do not use neonics in any form on any of our Garden Collection or Organic Edibles products. Our greenhouses only use biological methods for pest control, which includes the use of beneficial insects. With Tried & True plants, you can grow with confidence.