Scientists identify risks to bees by pesticides16 January 2013
One of the world's most widely-used insecticides poses risks to bees - according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
EFSA scientists say that it's not acceptable to use three neonicotinoid insecticides on crops attractive to honey bees - including oilseed rape which is widely grown in the UK
During their assessments they also found huge gaps in safety data - and a lack of testing for impacts - on other pollinating insects.
Last year the Government finally admitted that products were not being tested for their risk to wild bumble and solitary bees.
Huge loss and cost
It would cost the UK at least an extra £1.8billion every year to hand-pollinate crops without bees - the price of many fruit and vegetables would go up.
The clear link between neonicotinoid pesticides and declining bee health must sting the Government into action. Ministers must urgently remove these dangerous chemicals from sale, overhaul inadequate pesticide safety tests and ensure farmers have access to safe, effective alternatives.
Andy Atkins, Executive Director, Friends of the Earth
Friends of the Earth's The Bee Cause campaign is asking the Prime Minister to commit to a National Bee Action Plan to help save our bees. The plan must ensure:
- Bee-friendly farming.
- Town planning which helps grow bee populations.
- Expert advice to protect our most threatened species.
Support The Bee Cause
125 MPs joined our campaigners in Westminster yesterday to support The Bee Cause.
Please help save our bees by taking this simple action now. Thank you.
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