Why is pollinator protection a QS concern?

• A. Pollinators are irrelevant to pesticide use
• B. Pollinators are resistant to pesticides
• C. It is illegal to protect pollinators
• D. Pesticide exposure can harm bees and pollinators; protecting them aligns with label directions and environmental goals

Answer: (D)

Pollinators play a crucial role in many crops and in our ecosystems, so protecting them is a key consideration when using pesticides. Some pesticides can harm bees and other pollinators through contact, contaminated nectar or pollen, or systemic action inside plant tissues. Because of that risk, pesticide labels include protective measures to minimize exposure—such as timing restrictions, avoiding blooming crops, drift precautions, and other steps that applicators must follow. Following these label directions helps safeguard pollinators and supports environmental and stewardship goals, which is why pollinator protection is a Qualified Supervisors concern. The other statements miss the reality: pollinators are relevant to pesticide use, they are not inherently resistant to pesticides, and protecting them is not illegal.