A coalition of seven agriculture associations are asking to intervene in a lawsuit seeking to force the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate seeds coated with pesticide.

At issue is what critics' say is EPA's lack of regulation of seeds treated with neonicotinoid pesticides, which have been linked to declining bee colonies. The American Honey Producers Association, American Beekeeping Federation and other groups representing beekeepers sued EPA in federal court last year, demanding the agency take steps to protect bee colonies from the insecticides.

On Wednesday, a coalition of associations representing farmers, seed producers and pesticide manufacturers announced they would seek to join the lawsuit on the side of the EPA. They want the court to understand the vital role treated seeds play in American agriculture, the groups said.

"Without the ability to plant treated seed, (American Soybean Association) members would suffer reduced farm income from crop loss and incur hundreds of millions of dollars in added costs from larger and more frequent foliar applications of less effective pesticides, requiring extra passes over each field and additional time, energy and capital," ASA President Richard Wilkins said in a statement.

Also joining the lawsuit is the American Wheat Growers Association, which said it is intervening "to ensure these critical technologies are available to all growers."

"Seed treatments are a vital technology in protecting planted seeds and seedlings as they emerge," NAGW board President Gordon Stoner said.

Other coalition members include CropLife America, American Seed Trade Association, Ag Retailers Association, National Cotton Council of America and National Corn Growers Association.

MORE CEO DATELINE

• Music publishers association makes deal with online music streaming service
• Senate rejects association-backed bill to prevent mandatory GMO labeling
• Report: Mass transit and Uber, Lyft are best buds
• Fossil fuel associations decry proposed freeze on Atlantic oil drilling
• NFIB raises concerns about Supreme Court nominee for first time