Commenting on the UK Government’s field trials on the effects of neonicotinoid seed treatments on bumble bee colonies, Friends of the Earth Nature Campaigner Sandra Bell said: 

“This single study doesn’t counter the comprehensive review of the impact of neoniocotinoid insecticides on bee populations recently conducted by European scientists.

“Thorough testing should have taken place before these pesticides were licensed - it’s astonishing this research is only being done now, after the chemicals have become widely used throughout Europe. 

“Defra has admitted to problems with its new study, but bee health is far too urgent to wait until more research has been completed – restrictions should be placed on these pesticides until bee safety can be assured.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Effects of neonicotinoid seed treatments on bumble bee colonies under field conditions, by the Food and environment Research Agency.