FFAR-Funded Research Prepares Farmers for Insecticide Use Changes

Vermont farmers will soon face new restrictions on one of the most widely used classes of insecticides, neonicotinoid insecticides. The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), One Hive Foundation and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets are investing $150,000 through the Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) program to study how farmers can protect crops and maintain yields as Vermont phases out most uses of neonicotinoid insecticides.

Why it matters:

Insects can damage crops and spread disease, reducing yields and farmer profits. Neonicotinoids provide broad protection against pests, but research has also linked them to harmful effects on beneficial insects and other non-target organisms.

Vermont passed a law in 2024 that bans most neonicotinoid uses beginning Jan. 1, 2029. The change could significantly affect corn and soybean growers who use treated seed to protect crops from early-season pests such as seedcorn maggot and wireworm.

Finding what works:

Led by Dr. Heather Darby, extension professor and agronomic and soils specialist at the University of Vermont, researchers are studying three factors that could manage pests with less reliance on neonicotinoids: soil management, planting dates and alternative seed treatments.

Researchers will also partner with eight Vermont farms to compare corn grown with and without neonicotinoid-treated seed under real-world conditions. The farms represent different soils, weather conditions and management practices, helping researchers understand when neonicotinoids provide the greatest benefit and when farmers may be able to use other approaches.

The bigger picture:

The findings could extend beyond Vermont. Similar restrictions on pesticides could create new pest-management challenges elsewhere, particularly across the Northeast where growing conditions are similar.

The research will provide data that growers can use to adapt their practices and that policymakers can use to better understand the agricultural impacts of pesticide restrictions.

Researchers will share findings with farmers and other stakeholders through reports, fact sheets, conferences, field days and workshops.

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Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) builds public-private partnerships to fund bold research addressing big food and agriculture challenges. FFAR was established in the 2014 Farm Bill to increase public agriculture research investments, fill knowledge gaps and complement the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research agenda. FFAR’s model matches federal funding from Congress with private funding, delivering a powerful return on taxpayer investment. Through collaboration and partnerships, FFAR advances actionable science benefiting farmers, consumers and the environment.