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Farmers for Monarchs supports voluntary approach to improving habitat

The CEO of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is encouraging farmers to proactively address declining pollinator habitat.

Chris Novak says voluntary action now can prevent burdensome regulations down the road.

“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering a petition to potentially list the Monarch butterfly as a threatened and endangered species.  And that decision is expected in June of next year.”

Novak was part of a Monsanto news conference last month at Commodity Classic where Farmers for Monarchs–a broad-based collaboration involving land owners, conservation groups, and others—was launched.

He says the initiative might require a new way of thinking for some producers.

“Look at those areas that aren’t productive working lands, but maybe ditches, fence rows, pivot corners where there’s irrigation.  Those other areas where there isn’t going to be a crop planted, but they can take steps to plant habitat.”

Novak says Farmers for Monarchs is among the broadest voluntary efforts to date aimed at connecting farmers and ranchers to the education and resources needed to leverage the benefits of planting and restoring pollinator habitat.