West NY News

ALBANY – In response to Governor Hochul’s signing of the Birds and Bees Protection Act (S.1856/A.3226), Senator George Borrello, Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, expressed strong criticism. Borrello stated, “In signing the ‘Birds and Bees’ Act, Governor Hochul has caved, once again, to the radical special interests that currently dominate Albany and dealt another blow to struggling New York farmers."

Senator Borrello further emphasized the impact of the new law on farming practices, saying, “The seed treatment technology that has been senselessly banned under this new law helped farmers optimize crop yield and quality and allowed them to greatly reduce the large-scale spraying of older, more toxic and environmentally harmful pesticides. Today’s decision turns back the clock on that progress."

Highlighting the significance of agriculture in New York, Senator Borrello voiced concerns about the broader implications of such policies, stating, “Agriculture is one of New York’s most vital industries, but it is steadily being harmed by politically-driven policies coming out of Albany." He added, “Ultimately, it will be New Yorkers who pay the steepest price for this misguided decision and all the others that are making farming a financially impossible livelihood in this state."