Massachusetts Residents Call for Closing Neonic Pesticide Loophole

Petition urges state to ban neonicotinoid-coated seeds to protect bees and other pollinators

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Residents of Massachusetts are calling on the state government to close a loophole that allows the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on seeds, despite a previous ban on the sale of neonic sprays. The letter cites a state review that found neonics to be a major contributor to the dramatic decline in bee populations, with commercial beekeepers in the state losing 82% of their hives last winter. Activists argue that banning neonic-coated seeds is crucial to protecting pollinators that are vital to the state's agriculture.

Why it matters

Bees and other pollinators play a critical role in the ecosystem and food production, but their populations have been plummeting due to the widespread use of neonicotinoid pesticides. Closing this regulatory loophole could help reverse the decline of these essential species in Massachusetts.

The details

After Massachusetts restricted the sale of neonicotinoid sprays in 2021, chemical companies began coating seeds with the bee-killing pesticide instead. A single neonic-treated seed can be toxic enough to kill 80,000 bees. This practice is not currently regulated, even as the state has documented massive losses in commercial beehives.

  • In March 2021, the sale of neonicotinoid sprays in retail stores was restricted in Massachusetts.
  • Last winter, commercial beekeepers in Massachusetts lost 82% of their beehives.

The players

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

The state agency that examined the issue of neonicotinoid pesticides and released a scientific literature review determining that neonics undoubtedly harm pollinators.

Dahlia Stebbins-Sharpless

A resident of Salem, Massachusetts who wrote a letter to the editor urging the state to ban neonicotinoid-coated seeds.

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What they’re saying

“Bees are in dire need of your help — today, one in four bumblebee species is at risk of extinction. Last winter, commercial beekeepers in Massachusetts lost 82% of their beehives. A big reason for this massive decline is the use of neonics, a bee-killing pesticide, on our farms, golf courses, and gardens.”

— Dahlia Stebbins-Sharpless, Salem resident (itemlive.com)

“The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources examined this issue and released a scientific literature review determining that neonicotinoids undoubtedly harm pollinators. The review found that nearly all of the studies reviewed (42 of 43) cited neonics as a contributor to pollinator declines, and pointed out that the only study with mixed results was industry-funded.”

— Dahlia Stebbins-Sharpless, Salem resident (itemlive.com)

What’s next

Following the restriction of neonics, chemical companies began coating this pesticide on seeds—a loophole that is not currently regulated. Activists are now urging the state to ban the use of neonic-coated seeds to close this regulatory gap and further protect pollinators.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing battle to protect bee populations and other pollinators from the harmful effects of neonicotinoid pesticides. While Massachusetts has taken some steps to restrict neonic use, activists argue that more needs to be done to close regulatory loopholes and fully address this environmental threat.