b'Science and Research research into how commonly used seed treatments/insecticides may affect monarch habitat on field edges The agricultural sector will need to work closely with theand corners is needed. The ICGA has worked with several Science Committee of the IMP and other researchers tohundred farmers on a trial basis to experiment with new continue to address questions and concerns farmers haveproducts meant to reduce this risk and will continue about pollinator and monarch conservation. Establishingworking on solutions.a feedback loop between the agricultural community and the Science Committee will be very helpful. There is much3. Confidence in the Certification and Qualitythat remains unknown about monarch and pollinator success and stressors in agricultural settings. Having aof Pollinator and Monarch-Friendly Seedgood understanding of the life cycle of monarchs and theSuppliescorresponding agricultural BMPs to protect monarch needsFurther work is needed on the certification of pollinator will be very important. Its also essential to engage withfriendly seeds to assure farmers that pollinator plantings reputable industry and university experts to add credibilitywont cause a problem for their operations. In recent to proposed monarch conservation efforts. years, problematic weed seeds have been included in pollinator and other conservation seed mixes, leading Immediate agricultural priorities for the to not only the spread of harmful weeds to productive Science Committee include: crop acres, but the conservation compliance issues and red tape that arise when a farmer must deviate from aDeveloping an Effective and Flexible Mowing conservation plan for those acres in order to address the and Haying Strategy weed concern in a quick and timely manner. ScientificManaging Milkweed Near Cropland evaluation of the certification systems that exist, gaps in that system, and solutions should be brought forward soConfidence in the Certification and Quality offarmers can feel confident they are purchasing only the Pollinator and Monarch-Friendly Seed Supplies plants they want to establish. 1. Developing an Effective and Flexible MowingThe University of Illinois Plant Clinic offers a service and Haying Strategy testing seed mixes for the presence of Palmer amaranth, The agricultural communitys immediate need is fora problematic weed found in conservation planting clarity around BMPs for mowing. Due to conservationmixes in recent years. Dr. Patrick Tranel, Crop Sciences, efforts for game birds and other wildlife, there doesdeveloped a molecular test that can identify Palmer not appear to be consensus on the best times to mow,amaranth from leaf tissue. The Plant Clinic partnered or the best methods for mowing, to conserve multiplewith Dr. Tranel to trial the test and published the results species, including pollinators and monarchs. Thein 2017. In 2018, the Plant Clinic tested 130 seed samples Science Committee should advise farmers and otherfrom 12 different states. The service is available to land managers on this and take into consideration theanyone.need for weed management in and around crop fields. Inconsistent guidelines on various mowing practices by different government agencies must be addressed. 2. Managing Milkweed Near Cropland Due to herbicide and insecticide use in fields, impact to monarch habitat directly adjacent to treated fields is a current concern. This includes the use of neonicotinoid seed coatings, which can drift through the air during planting, then land on adjacent habitat. Additional 23'