Costco Wholesale’s Policy to Protect
Pollinator Health
Costco Wholesale understands that the honey bee population is declining and these bees are
necessary for the life cycles of people, plants and the food we consume. We have invested in a
multi-year research project to improve honey bee health and sustainability.
We are also committed to business practices that support the growth and sustainability of our
business as well as the growth and sustainability of bees and other pollinators. We look to our
suppliers for guidance in their specific areas of expertise and are mindful of the impact our
policies may have on their businesses.
We support the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies and other creative
solutions for the use of least toxic alternatives. We support and encourage the growth of the
Organic Industry and the High Tech Hot House or Greenhouse Grown Industries with their
primary reliance on the use of IPM.
Our policy:
1. Scope: live goods/plants, fruits and vegetables sold to Costco.
2. Suppliers are encouraged to limit the use of all non-essential chemicals and to utilize
eco-friendly methods of pest or disease control when treating plants, fruits and vegetables
produced for Costco, including the use of IPM.
3. Application of any chemicals or pesticides is to be done in strict accordance with all
applicable local and federal laws, regulations and guidelines in effect at the location of
production and intended distribution. It is the supplier’s responsibility to remain informed and up
to date on all applicable laws and regulations.
4. Suppliers are encouraged to phase-out the use of Neonicotinoids and Chlorpyrifos, unless
mandated otherwise by law. When phasing out these pesticides, suppliers are also encouraged
when possible to avoid regrettable substitutions, such as those listed on the ​EPA website.
5. We seek to partner with suppliers who share our commitment to pollinator health and IPM,
and are making reasonable progress to meet our policy in a timely manner.
As appropriate, we will update our policy as research and verifiable information warrants.

Updated May 2018