Neonicotinoid pesticides
Are neonicotinoids harming bees or are other factors at work? Two scientists involved in the debate present the facts on these controversial pesticides…
Scientists explain the facts about these controversial pesticides
The first neonicotinoid pesticide was launched in 1991 by Bayer Crop Science as a safer alternative to previous contact pesticides, and neonicotinoids (neonics) have grown in use since. Concerns over their effect on honeybee populations and environmental impact led to a temporary ban in 2013 on three major neonics. This is under review, with a ruling from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) due in November. A recent field study, published in the journal Science, by the Centre of Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), tested the impact of neonics on bees under real conditions. Its trials showed exposure to neonics may reduce hive health but that other local factors also had an effect. It’s possible that alternatives to neonics will be developed, but their efficacy and impact is as yet unproven. Read more on the debate in the panel, right. Brexit, of course, could have an impact on the UK’s position on a ban, with the Government under no obligation to follow EU rulings. However, Michael Gove, DEFRA Secretary of State, was quoted on BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today as saying he wanted to ‘enhance, not diminish, environmental standards’.