Farmers and bee-keepers cannot allow the pesticides ’blame-game’ to distract attention and research away from the key causes of bee decline. This was the key message delivered by Dominic Dyer, chief executive of the Crop Protection Association, at the British Bee Keepers Association 2011 Spring Convention.
’Despite the demonisation of pesticides by some campaign groups, there is no evidence to indicate that pesticides, if used correctly, are a key factor behind bee decline,’ said Mr Dyer.
’Most experts agree that bee decline is down to the Varroa mite and other parasitic diseases combined with the problems associated with habitat loss, colony stress and climate change. Calls for the removal of certain insecticide seed treatments will not improve bee health, but would result in the loss of a very sustainable and environmentally friendly form of crop protection technology that is vital for UK food production.’
Mr Dyer highlighted that crop protection plays a vital role in under-pinning the whole UK food chain, which is valued at over ’174 billion and employs around five million people. He told delegates that the crop protection industry is committed to helping to produce sustainable supplies of safe affordable, wholesome food in a way that protects UK wildlife and environment.
’I am delighted to see that in the last six months alone we have sent out over 50,000 of our ’Bee-Safe, Bee-Careful’ booklets to bee-keepers, spray operators and farmers throughout the UK. Our industry recognises the crucial value of bees as a pollinator for the agriculture and horticulture sector, and we are a spending significant level of resources and expertise on supporting bee health research and pesticide stewardship programmes to protect bees,’ concluded Mr Dyer.
