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11/09/2009 20:04:25
Evidence on pesticides does not support ban to protect bees
The NFU has today called for an independent and comprehensive assessment of the impact of neonicotinoids after Buglife issued a report implicating these insecticides in the decline of our honey bees.
The report, backed by the Soil Association and the Pesticide Action Network UK, reappraises a selection of existing evidence and recommends a precautionary suspension on the use of all neonicotinoid products pending a review of this group of insecticides.
However, the NFU remains fundamentally opposed to this approach which is not based on clear and sound scientific evidence.
NFU horticulture adviser, and lead on bees, Dr Chris Hartfield said: "Buglife’s call for a suspension on the use of neonicotinoids is not backed by any of the key beekeeping organisations in the UK. Although the report adds a useful perspective to the debate the fact of the matter remains there is still no clear evidence that the use of crop protection products containing neonicotinoids is a factor causing the worrying honey bee losses we are experiencing across the UK.
"All pesticides undergo a very rigorous approval process based on sound science and we would expect sound scientific arguments to be presented before the withdrawal of any product was considered.
"What the debate really needs is an independent and comprehensive assessment of the situation to inform the process. The debate around bees and pesticides can only be resolved by sound science and clear evidence and for this an independent study is needed. To tackle bee health problems effectively we believe we need to work on the basis of what we know, not what we suspect."
The NFU is working closely with beekeepers and the Government to ensure action is taken to provide effective solutions to bee health problems in the UK. All of the key bee-keeping organisations in the UK agree that pests and disease are the principal threat facing British honey bees.
John Howat, bee farmer and secretary of the Bee Farmers’ Association of the UK, said: "The fact is that the parasitic mite Varroa is a major pest killing honey bee colonies, and our controls for it are failing. Why do we need to divert our attention from this danger? The reduced resistance of the honeybee caused by Varroa infection makes them more susceptible to other problems such as viruses, bacterial diseases, and possibly crop protection chemicals. But for the BFA the evidence is far from clear.
"Until there has been a thorough and unbiased review of all the evidence, which takes account of the quality of the evidence and the relevance of it to honey bees in the field, we are not prepared to call for any ban."
Mr Howat also raises concerns about what alternative products would be used if neonicotinoids were banned. As a relatively new product it is likely they would be replaced by older chemistry that could be of greater risk to bees.
The report, backed by the Soil Association and the Pesticide Action Network UK, reappraises a selection of existing evidence and recommends a precautionary suspension on the use of all neonicotinoid products pending a review of this group of insecticides.
However, the NFU remains fundamentally opposed to this approach which is not based on clear and sound scientific evidence.
NFU horticulture adviser, and lead on bees, Dr Chris Hartfield said: "Buglife’s call for a suspension on the use of neonicotinoids is not backed by any of the key beekeeping organisations in the UK. Although the report adds a useful perspective to the debate the fact of the matter remains there is still no clear evidence that the use of crop protection products containing neonicotinoids is a factor causing the worrying honey bee losses we are experiencing across the UK.
"All pesticides undergo a very rigorous approval process based on sound science and we would expect sound scientific arguments to be presented before the withdrawal of any product was considered.
"What the debate really needs is an independent and comprehensive assessment of the situation to inform the process. The debate around bees and pesticides can only be resolved by sound science and clear evidence and for this an independent study is needed. To tackle bee health problems effectively we believe we need to work on the basis of what we know, not what we suspect."
The NFU is working closely with beekeepers and the Government to ensure action is taken to provide effective solutions to bee health problems in the UK. All of the key bee-keeping organisations in the UK agree that pests and disease are the principal threat facing British honey bees.
John Howat, bee farmer and secretary of the Bee Farmers’ Association of the UK, said: "The fact is that the parasitic mite Varroa is a major pest killing honey bee colonies, and our controls for it are failing. Why do we need to divert our attention from this danger? The reduced resistance of the honeybee caused by Varroa infection makes them more susceptible to other problems such as viruses, bacterial diseases, and possibly crop protection chemicals. But for the BFA the evidence is far from clear.
"Until there has been a thorough and unbiased review of all the evidence, which takes account of the quality of the evidence and the relevance of it to honey bees in the field, we are not prepared to call for any ban."
Mr Howat also raises concerns about what alternative products would be used if neonicotinoids were banned. As a relatively new product it is likely they would be replaced by older chemistry that could be of greater risk to bees.
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