EFSA published review of pesticides risks to bees

EFSA has published a state-of-the-art scientific review of the risks posed by pesticides to honey bees, bumble bees and solitary bees. This major piece of work will support the development of specific guidance for the assessment of possible risks to bees from the use of plant protection products. The guidance will provide up-to-date advice to those involved in the evaluation of plant protection products and their active substances, including industry and public authorities.

The opinion published on the science that will underpin the guidance was requested by the European Commission and responds to growing concerns among MEPs and beekeeper associations about the appropriateness of the current risk assessment scheme. It is also part of EFSA’s coordinated response to the decline in the numbers of honeybees, wild bees and other pollinators in Europe.

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