Save New Jerseyâs bees: Reduce use of âneonicsâ
By Michele S. Byers
New Jersey is still the âGarden State,â famous for blueberries, peaches, tomatoes, corn and other delicious fruits and veggies.
But these valuable crops will not grow without the services of honeybees, wild bees like bumblebees, and other insect pollinators. Together, they pollinate nearly $200 million worth of produce a year.
Bees are disappearing at an alarming rate and mounting evidence points to insecticides known as neonicotinoids, or âneonicsâ for short. Chemically related to nicotine, neonics are neurotoxins that kill by attacking the nerve cells of insects.
Neonics are often applied as a âdrenchâ to plant roots or as a coating on seeds. The toxin dissolves in water and is soaked up by plants as they grow, spreading through the tissues to all parts of the plant, including the nectar and pollen.
As businesses, states and the federal government try to convince millions of hesitant Americans to get vaccinated against COVID-19, many are leaning on the carrot, instead of the stick.
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From $1 million cash prizes to a free dinner with New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, states and cities are offering incentives as part of their efforts to boost vaccination rates. Driving the news: U.S. daily administered doses fell dramatically in late April and May, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.Get market news worthy of your time with Axios Markets. Subscribe for free.About 51.2% of adults in the U.S. have been fully vaccinated, while nearly 62.4% have received at least one dose of a vaccine.The incentives states and cities are offering: California: Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday that 30 Californians 12 years and older have a chance to win $50,000 if they complete their vaccination.If a minor wins, the cash will be put in a savings account until they turn 18 years old. The state is also offering a chance at winning one of 10 $1.5 million cash prizes. Additionally, the first 2 million people to begin and complete their vaccinations starting May 27 will