Pilot Program Paying Farmers to Use Untreated Seed

American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is launching an Untreated Seed Pilot Program that offers funding on a per-acre basis to American growers and producers interested in sourcing and using corn, soybean, and cereal-crop seeds not coated with neonicotinoid insecticides. The program aims to support beneficial insect populations which contribute to healthy habitats for birds. Pilot program participants will be paid $10 per acre of corn, $15 per acre of soybeans, and $15 per acre of wheat, with rates subject to adjustments depending on total acreage per grower and other considerations. Updates about progress will be monitored by ABC to better understand and address the challenges in reducing and eliminating the use of neonicotinoids as seed coatings.