Responding to new research in the journal Science today (20 September 2012) which finds that one type of neonicotinoid pesticide, thiamethoxam, does not cause springtime colony collapse disorder in honey bee populations, Friends of the Earth Nature campaigner Paul de Zylva said:

“This study does not remove the smoking gun of the role of pesticides in bee decline, and does nothing to reduce concerns that these vital pollinators are being poisoned every day by a chemical cocktail.
 
“The research says one type of neonicotinoid pesticide, thiamethoxam, doesn’t cause bee colonies to die off in the spring, but it doesn’t rule out its role in colony collapse later in the year.”
 
“Neonicotinoid pesticides cannot be given a clean bill of health until they have been properly tested for their effect on all bees, not just honeybees – until then the Government should suspend them from sale.

“Ministers must also do more to reduce our reliance on pesticides and encourage chemical-free farming and gardening.
 
“The huge decline in bee numbers is a serious threat to food production – a National Bee Action Plan is needed to tackle it.”

ENDS