Neonicotinoid pesticides.

[telboy]

As we can't do without bees, there's a Soil Association's online petition for those who
would like to see these Pesticides banned.

Their info. sheets certainly opened my eyes!

[telboy]

[Unwashed]

Soil Association pettition is here.

Their briefing paper is here.

[Unwashed]

"The evidence against these chemicals is strong" - then I'd have hoped the Soil Association would have made a better fist of presenting it.

[telboy]

Thanks for posting the links UW,
When countries in Europe just ban it, what do WE do ?
Throw 4.3 mio at it in a 'study'?

[Unwashed]

Telboy, you might be right, the UK government might very well be prevaricating, and it wouldn't be the first time they've chosen agri-business over the environment, but I can't make an informed decision without information, and if the research is out there that implicates the pesticides in CCD then the Soil Association should reference it, because I'm not inclined to jump just because they say so.

[Baccy Man]

There are various studies which have been carried out.

The report carried out for the French Ministries of Agriculture and Environment to support their ban can be viewed here.
http://www.biobees.com/library/pesticides_GM_threats/Behaviour%20of%20Imidacloprid%20in%20Fields,%20Bonmatin.pdf

Bayer Cropscience have carried out there own research & state imidacloprid poses no threat & suggest that varroa is the real problem.
http://www.bayercropscience.co.uk/content.output/288/477/News%20Room/News%20Headlines/Imidacloprid%20and%20bee%20safety.mspx

[saddad]

Bayer Cropscience have carried out there own research & state imidacloprid poses no threat & suggest that varroa is the real problem.

A cynic would say, well they would ...  :-X

[Unwashed]

There's a Soil Association's online petition for those who would like to see these Pesticides banned.  Their info. sheets certainly opened my eyes!

A cynic would say, well they would...

[telboy]

UW,
Some would.
Worst senario, if the bees die.
In 4 years  - WEDOO.
FULLSTOP.
>:( >:( >:( >:( >:( :( :'( :'( :'( :'(

[Eristic]

Worst senario, if the bees die.
In 4 years  - WEDOO.
FULLSTOP.

Utter rubbish!

Honeybees mainly produce honey that the majority of the population cannot afford to buy anyway. We can survive quite happily with just bread and beer augmented with pork chops, potatoes and cabbage.

Whilst I do not want any species to die out, my allotment is thriving without any honey bees at all. Bumble bees are proliferating and actively taking advantage of the extra pollen and nectar available.

One or two monocrop farmers may die out but would we miss them?