CLA supports EPA-led review process on pollinator health

CropLife America (CLA), the national trade association representing the developers, manufacturers and distributors of crop protection products, welcomes review of the "Proposed Risk Assessment Process for Bees” by EPA’s Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel (FIFRA SAP).

Meeting on Sept. 11-14, the FIFRA SAP will conduct a rigorous review of a proposed tiered process for quantitatively evaluating the potential risks that crop protection products pose to honey bees. Bee health is determined by multiple factors – including nutrition, genetics, weather, hive management, diseases, and parasites; pesticides constitute only one potential factor. Establishing a deeper understanding of these factors and how they impact bee health is vital to agriculture.

"CropLife America and our members support the EPA’s effort to increase the scientific basis for assessing any potential impacts of pesticides on honey bees and other pollinators,” said Dr. Barbara Glenn, senior vice president of science & regulatory affairs with CLA. “Sound and validated science is at the core of our industry’s innovative technologies. We strive to find new ways to partner with regulators and researchers to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of both the benefits and potential impact brought by crop protection products.”

The work of pollinators, including honey bees, is extremely important to the farmers and growers of the United States. It is estimated that one-third of all foods and beverages are made possible by pollinators, accounting for nearly $20 billion in agricultural production each year. A decline in managed honey bee colonies puts great pressure on our nation’s agricultural industry.

"Many of the farmers and growers we work with rely on honey bees and other pollinators, and all are affected by the concern for pollinator health. They also rely heavily on our products. It is our responsibility to develop scientifically advanced products that safely interact with the environment,” added Dr. Glenn. “We are confident that the efforts of the FIFRA SAP will improve our understanding of the complexities of pollinator health.”