To the Editor:
I’m no stranger to Hartford. Since the first of this year, I’ve been to the state capitol to testify on multiple pieces of legislation that could have a dramatic impact on the farm I run and farms across our state. Heck, last year I even drove my tractor to Hartford on my way to Washington, D.C. to highlight the lack of assistance Connecticut farmers were getting after the crazy and unusual storms that literally wiped out my entire crop for the year—to the tune of more than $400,000.
Continued weather events like last year are now a reality and a constant worry for Connecticut’s agricultural community. Beyond that, I have real concerns about legislation that continue to be raised year after year, that if passed could really change the farmers ability to grow food in our state. These bills don’t consider the reality farmers face and vilify the technological progress that could and should be the future of agriculture.
SB 9 is one of those bills. While in Hartford the past few weeks I listened to hours of testimony, some factual and some that needs clarifying regarding the use of neonicotinoid treated seeds. I appreciate the time that the members of the Environmental Committee granted me to help clarify some of their questions and statements from previous speakers.
Neonics are among the most regulated and safe products on the market. New products go through years of testing. Farmers and other agricultural workers go through rigorous training to comply with label and application requirements.
On our farm in Northford, we use a variety of methods to combat pests and ensure our soil is healthy. Cover crops, integrated pest management, reduced tillage, and yes treated seeds. They are all part of the equation that helps our 140 acres produce food for our customers. But each farm is its own unique microcosm. The issues I may face with soil or pest infestations can be completely different from a farm 5, 10 or 50 miles away. Farmers are experts of their land, and we need the flexibility to adapt as the inevitable and unpredictable challenges arise.
Farmers need the ability to adapt, and banning one of our most effective tools could be a disaster in the making for the agriculture industry.
And there’s an additional stress for farmers across the country and here in Connecticut this year– the impact that the newly imposed tariffs will have on our business costs. While we’re not producing corn and soy at the rate of farms in the Midwest, exporting of agricultural goods from Connecticut is not insignificant. In 2022, Connecticut shipped $286 million in domestic agricultural exports abroad. Again, misguided legislation that bans treated seeds could impact the success of this important economic driver.
I come to Hartford so often not because I enjoy sitting and waiting for my few minutes of testimony, but because I want to be part of the solution. I want to understand what the concerns are of other residents and be a voice for the farms.
It is crucial for the future of the agricultural industry in Connecticut for our lawmakers to listen to the sound science, ignore scare tactics and falsehoods, and protect the technologies that our farmers have embraced so that we can continue to bring healthy, safe and nutritious food to our residents and the world. I respectfully request that lawmakers reject SB9.
William Dellacamera is a farmer at Cecarelli Farm in Northford.