The European Commission recently said it will ban three neonicotinoids for the next two years citing “acute high risks” to bees associated with this pesticide. The EPA only recommends more tests.
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European Food Safety Authority’s analysis of neonicotinioids acknowledged a number of serious risks to bees associated with their use. The agency recommended that, among other things, these systemic pesticides be only used on crops not attractive to honey bees. 
A recent study found that a combination of two pesticides impairs the natural foraging behavior of bumblebees, increases worker mortality as well as increases the propensity of bumblebee colonies to fail. 
Reactions to EPA’s refusal to suspend the registration of clothianidin, given the mounting scientific evidence that this systemic poison poses an imminent hazard to bees, have been strong and unequivocal. 
The EPA went to great lengths to reject a citizen petition seeking to suspend the use of a systemic pesticide that scientific studies link to massive bee die-offs. What happened? 
Citing concerns over massive decline in bee populations due to Colony Collapse Disorder, the French health and safety authority said it will ban the use of Syngenta’s pesticide, Cruiser OSR, used for rapeseed crops coating. 
With even more scientific studies linking systemic pesticides to bee deaths, beekeepers and environmental organizations petition EPA to suspend clothianidin, a pesticide that got a free pass from registration requirements. 
While evidence of the detrimental impact of systemic pesticides mounts, many beekeepers and independent scientists wonder why U.S. regulators have not suspended or banned their use. 
Is the massive honeybee die off a canary in the coal mine telling us that the pesticide treadmill, as our current state of agriculture has come to be known, is short sighted and dangerous? 
While massive bee die offs have been occurring for more than half a decade, the connection between colony collapse disorder and pesticides, particularly serious concern about systemic pesticides, has been downplayed by the EPA and the industry. 
It’s hard to imagine American agriculture without bees and, yet, we may be seeing the end of beekeeping following years of mysterious collapses of honey bee colonies in the United States and the world. 
At last there seems to be an answer to the honeybee disappearance mystery. A virus-fungus one-two punch is now the lead suspect behind honeybee devastation. However, additional studies are needed to determine to determine the exact mechanisms leading to honeybee deaths. 
A 13-state survey of honey bee pests and diseases that will help USDA scientists to determine the factors that may be contributing to the decline of honey bee colonies nationwide. 
Recent research from USDA points to a correlation between a fungus and a family of viruses that may be working together to cause the Colony Collapse Disorder in honeybees. Many still believe, however, that other causes such as pesticide use in agriculture and GMOs that produce pesticides, also play a role in the collapse. |
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