ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has urged residents to comment on current rules surrounding widely-used seed treatments before the conclusion of a public comment period at the end of July. Following a January court order, the MDA has been investigating whether existing rules surrounding neonicotinoid-treated seeds, which have allegedly become a source of contamination, should be amended to reflect findings of ongoing research. ADVERTISEMENTSpecifically, comments should address whether Minnesota Rules Chapter 1505 provides adequate environmental protection from the use of neonicotinoid-treated crop seeds, which have allegedly caused pollution, impairment, and destruction to natural resources. Commenters are encouraged to view the MDA’s website , which details existing laws and rules related to neonicotinoid and pesticide-treated seeds, before providing supporting evidence and information to help the MDA in its consideration. Submit comments through an online form on the MDA’s Neonicotinoid-Treated Seed Public Comment website or by email to TreatedSeed.MDA@state.mn.us with the subject line: “Treated Seed Public Comment.”