Brazil seeking balance between neonicotinoid and bees' healths

The application of certain types of pesticides can cause the death of the insects responsible for pollinating plants used as food. Both the lack of bees and the limited use of pesticides can cause losses to agriculture.

One challenge is imposed on farmers and environmentalists in the country. How to use pesticides in certain cultures without killing the bees responsible for pollination of plants used as food? The problem has been studied in Brazil for at least four years and it was discussed on Thursday (the 4th) at a public hearing organized by the Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development, at the request of Congressman Anthony Roberto (PV-MG).

Representatives of beekeepers and the Department of Environment reported mortalities and the neonicotinoid pesticide use appeared as the biggest responsible. Some say the substance causes the death of bees or it causes injuries such as the loss of orientation in space or smell.

"Bees leave and do not return to the hives because they lose orientation. Or they can’t find the flowers because they have no sense of smell, "said the president of the Brazilian Apiculture Conferedation (CBA), Jose Cunha, it represents 350 thousand beekeepers. According to him, it is not known an exact number of deaths in Brazil, but the phenomenon is worldwide.

Prohibition

Last year, in Brazil, as it happened in European countries, it was prohibited  aerial spraying of neonicotinoid pesticides containing the active ingredients Imidacloprid, Thiamethoxam, Fipronil or Clothianidin. On the other hand, there is an act of law (PDC 809/12) which provides the suspension of the measure,the decision is now at the Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA).

PDC is ready to be analyzed by the Commission of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development and Supply and it received approval from Mr. Duarte Nogueira (PSDB-SP). Congressman Anthony Roberto, however, said that when the proposal reaches the Environment Commission, he will work for its rejection.

Duarte Nogueira says IBAMA overstepped its authority and that the legislative measure could harm the country.The General Coordinator of Evaluation and Chemical Control from IBAMA, Marcio Freitas, however, said that it is IBAMA’s responsibility to regulate pesticides. He also said that, in response to the demands of producers, IBAMA relaxed the rule, allowing the spraying of pesticides in soybean, sugarcane, wheat and rice out of bloom.

"We have nothing against aerial application, but it is safe to say that it's complicated. We know that there is control over the entire aerial application in the country,"said Marcio Freitas. According to the coordinator, there is a lack of clear regulations, which would have led, in May this year in Rio Verde (GO), a plane spraying over a school, intoxicating 42.