EU neonicotinoid restrictions take effect for saving bees

A two-year restrictions on neonicotinoid pesticides came into effect across the European Union on 1st Dec, 2013 in an attempt to slow the rapid decline of bee colonies across the continent.

The humble European bee. It pollinates plants, including farm crops and is crucial to the wellbeing of ecosystems. And like elsewhere in the world bees are disappearing.

"Here in Europe the bee populations are dying off at the alarming rate of about 30 percent every year".

The reasons why are thought to be complex, but neonicotinoid-based pesticides are a prime-suspect.

"We have some data that proves some products like neonicotinoids can be really dangerous for bees and can kill bee colonies and it’s true, it’s been proved by a lot of scientific articles". Etienne Bruneau, Spokesman of Bee Life said.

The European Commission agrees and 1st Dec,2013 began enforcing a ban on three neonicotinoid pesticides. But Syngenta and Bayer are now taking the European Commission to court arguing the science behind the ban is faulty. An allegation backed by the EU’s Committee of Agricultural Organisations, which also argues the move will cost farmers and the European Union billions of Euros in lost revenue.

"We feel that it will take away a major part of our tool box in combatting plant pests and in this respect it is a serious matter for European farmers and their competitiveness." Pekka Pesonen, Secretary General, Copa-Cogeca said.

And even the British Beekeepers Association warn the ban could fuel the re-emergence of older more harmful pesticides. But no one doubts the bees are disappearing, or if they disappear completely it will devastate crops. Farmers like Adrien Paquet say they don’t like the ban and want to be able to use neonicotinoid is a responsible manner, unless they see scientific evidence that convinces them of a danger.

"If a pesticide has an effect then stop, I am OK, stop." Adrien Paquet, Wallonian Cattle and Crop Farmer said.

European scientists will be monitoring the pesticide ban closely over the coming months to see if this is really is what’s decimating bee populations.