Benefits of Neonicotinoid Seed Treatments to Soybean Production

EPA analyzed the use of the neonicotinoid seed treatments for insect control in United States soybean production. This report provides the analysis and EPA’s conclusions based on the analysis. It discusses how the treatments are used, available alternatives, and costs.

EPA concludes that these seed treatments provide little or no overall benefits to soybean production in most situations. Published data indicate that in most cases there is no difference in soybean yield when soybean seed was treated with neonicotinoids versus not receiving any insect control treatment.

As a result of public comments received on the benefits analysis, EPA revised the assessment through a response to comments document. See Biological and Economic Analysis Division (BEAD) Response to Public Comments Submitted in Response document below.

Visit the docket to see the related documents and comments that were submitted during the public comment period.

Read the benefits analysis:

• Benefits of Neonicotinoid Seed Treatment to Soybean Production (pdf) (11.02 MB)
• Biological and Economic Analysis Division (BEAD) Response to Public Comments Submitted in Response to BEAD's Assessment entitled "Benefits of Neonicotinoid Seed Treatments to Soybean Production" (pdf) (21.61 MB)