Beekeepers File Lawsuit Against EPA; Consumers Tight Their Money When it Comes to Food Shopping

Beekeepers have filed a lawsuit against the EPA for not regulating seeds treated with neonicotinoids. The group of commercial beekeepers, growers and environmental activist claim neonics should be regulated as pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. These groups allege that dust from the coated seeds has harmed the environment, including honey bees and birds. The federal government currently holds a treated article exemption that excludes seeds from being regulated as pesticides.

Consumers are still holding tightly to their pocketbooks when it comes to paying more for food products. A monthly survey shows willingness-to-pay fell slightly for nearly all food products in the last month. Among meat products, deli ham witnessed the largest decrease in willingness-to-pay at 5.6 percent. Meanwhile, steak, chicken breast, hamburger and deli ham are all higher relative to this time last year, while pork chops and chicken wing are lower compared to this time last year. The survey tracks consumer preferences and sentiments on the safety, quality, and price of food at home and away from home with a particular focus on meat demand.