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Campaigners call for pesticide review to save bees |
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14 Sep 2012, 11:08 AM
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A letter calling for an immediate review of the science that underpins the UK risk assessment procedure for neonicotinoid pesticides has been sent to Environment Secretary Owen Paterson this week. The move was spearheaded by the Co-operative, supported by PAN UK (Pesticide Action Network).
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PAN UK has alerted all major UK supermarkets to concerns over the safety of a class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids and evidence that the current risk assessment regime ignores several potentially serious exposure routes for bees and other pollinating species to these harmful pesticides.
The letter said “We are writing to you to ask for an urgent independent review of the science and regulatory assessment of neonicotinoid pesticides.... As a major food retailer serving over 14m customers each week, the health of bees and other pollinator species are of great concern to us, our growers and our customers.” It goes on to say “We believe that it is in the best interests of UK farmers, retailers and consumers to thoroughly investigate the growing research base on the impacts of neonicotinoid pesticides on insect pollinators and consider what this means for current UK approvals of neonicotinoid products.”
The research base into the impacts of neonicotinoids on bees has grown dramatically in recent years. It points to a problem with long-term, chronic exposure to field realistic levels of the pesticides – something which the current safety assessment process fails to address.
Recent independent studies by the University of Stirling and the French National Agricultural Research Institute have highlighted the effects of low doses of neonicotinoids in pollen and nectar to bees. In May 2012, a report from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA, the official body in charge of assessing pesticide risks to pollinators) highlighted glaring gaps in the way that neonicotinoid effects on bees have been evaluated leaving a major question hanging over the fate of neonicotinoid products on the EU market
In June 2012, France suspended use of the neonicotinoid pesticide thiamethoxam as a seed treatment on oilseed rape, following research findings on its effects on honeybee homing behaviour. And in April 2012, the European Ombudsman opened an investigation into whether the European Commission has taken adequate measures to combat increased bee mortality in Europe.This was prompted by a complaint from Austria that the Commission has failed to take into account new scientific evidence in favour of restricting the use of neonicotinoids.
A series of fact sheets, published this week by the Pesticide Action Network UK, expose the risks to bee and pollinator species from pesticides and look at what the failings of the risk assessment means for bee and pollinator health. Dr Stephanie Williamson of PAN UK, said “There is more than enough evidence to show that the current system is failing to address serious concerns about risks to pollinators from neonicotinoid pesticides. We believe that the findings presented in the recently published independent scientific research, and highlighted in the fact sheets is more than enough to warrant a precautionary approach from Defra.”
The organisation has also today issued a 12 point call for action to protect bees from pesticides. Among these is a call on the government to conduct an immediate and urgent independent review of the latest science findings in the light of the EFSA conclusions, and to suspend authorisation of these pesticides until they are proven to be safe. We urge the government and players in the food and farming sectors to provide practical support for UK farmers to move away from reliance on neonicotinoids and to adopt safer pest management strategies based on ecological science. We also want an end to neonicotinoid use in the amenity, ornamentals and gardening sectors.
PAN UK Director, Dr. Keith Tyrell commented “Our organisation welcomes this initiative from the Co-operative and other retailers as we believe that a thorough independent review of the science would be a positive step forward in clarifying the situation in regard to bees and neonicotinoid pesticides. We hope that the Minister will take heed of this very sensible request and act accordingly.” He continued, “It is clear that the concerns of NGOs, and the public are now being echoed by the retailers. The weight of evidence is growing and it is time for clarity, the UK Government needs to act on this as a matter of urgency.”
“Other European governments have acted to protect their bees and pollinators from neonics, but Defra continues to sit on its hands and do nothing even though the European Food Safety Authority says that the risk assessment process for these pesticides is not fit for purpose.”
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| Positive review of this story |
Jimbo  |
27 Sep 2012, 10:57 PM |
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It ain't rocket science If some people think it is cheaper and healtiher for humans to hand pollinate our crops, then be my guest
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