#USA #Washington #BeSure! Campaign #Growing Matters #Stewardship

The BeSure! Campaign is Back for 2025

The BeSure! campaign, an initiative by Growing Matters, has returned this year to emphasize the importance of safe practices in using crop protection products. As the planting and growing season unfolds in 2025, the campaign aims to promote responsible stewardship among growers and pesticide applicators, ensuring the safe handling and usage of neonicotinoid products in both agricultural and urban contexts.

Since its inception in 2019, the BeSure! campaign has been devoted to educating the farming community about best management practices related to pesticide usage. The initiative recognizes that pesticides can play a critical role in agriculture, especially for row crops such as corn, soybeans, fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. Its primary focus is on using these products responsibly to protect not only crops but also pollinators and wildlife.

The campaign aims to communicate vital information that will help growers understand how to minimize potential risks associated with pesticide exposure. A grower’s best ally in this endeavor is the product label, which contains valuable guidelines for safe application and handling of treated seeds. This year, BeSure! is particularly targeting producers of crops that are frequently protected by neonicotinoids, ensuring that they can operate effectively while also maintaining environmental integrity.

Chris Jones, Senior Director at NASDA Foundation, expressed the collaborative nature of the campaign, stating, "Pesticides are a crucial aspect of agricultural stewardship, and ensuring their responsible use is a priority across various stakeholders, including states, industries, and communities. The BeSure! campaign represents our commitment to advocating for a transparent regulatory framework for pesticide use that is grounded in evidence."

The importance of crop protection cannot be overstated; it is crucial for reducing the impact of diseases and increasing yields, which are vital for a stable food supply. Notably, the absence of effective crop protection measures could result in significant losses in agricultural production—78% of fruit, 54% of vegetables, and 32% of cereal crops could be at risk without these practices. Thus, neonicotinoids contribute significantly to maintaining both agricultural viability and wildlife protection in the U.S.

Alexandra Dunn, President and CEO of CropLife America, noted the importance of continued support for the BeSure! campaign, stating, "We're proud to contribute to the Growing Matters coalition, reaffirming our commitment to stewardship and responsible pesticide use. This campaign provides invaluable resources that help applicators and growers implement practices that safeguard pollinators, wildlife, and the overall environment."

As the 2025 season unfolds, the campaign encourages every stakeholder in agriculture to join the stewardship movement by adopting best-management practices for safer and responsible usage of pesticide products. Interested individuals can visit GrowingMatters.org/BeSure to enhance their stewardship approach and access various resources, including downloadable guides for growers and applicators, as well as comprehensive information on neonicotinoid application.

The BeSure! campaign collaborates deeply with a range of stakeholders to elevate stewardship standards during critical planting and growing periods. This coordinated effort demonstrates how the agricultural sector can respond to challenges while also addressing environmental concerns effectively.

About Growing Matters

Growing Matters is an initiative focused on the critical intersection of agriculture, horticulture, and environmental sustainability. The consortium comprises key industry players, including Bayer, Syngenta, and BASF, devoted to fostering a healthy discourse on the stewardship and advantages of neonicotinoid insecticides. With these products serving as essential solutions to protect crops from destructive pests, the coalition aims to ensure safe and sustainable agricultural practices for future generations.

For more information, reports, and resources on neonicotinoid insecticides, visit www.GrowingMatters.org.

About NASDA

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) represents agricultural leaders across all 50 states and four U.S. territories, working tirelessly to enhance agricultural policies and community engagement. To learn more about NASDA's initiatives and resources, visit www.nasda.org.

About CropLife America

Founded in 1933, CropLife America represents the developers and manufacturers of essential plant science solutions in the United States. Its members play a pivotal role in producing, selling, and distributing pesticides and biotechnology products critical to American agriculture. Explore more at www.croplifeamerica.org.