The EU has banned the various pesticides linked to dwindling number of bees, despite a split among EU states on the issue. There has been concern among scientists and environmentalists across Europe about the dramatic reductions in bee numbers.
Neonicotinoid chemicals in pesticides are thought to harm the bees and the European Commission has now announced that they should be restricted to crops not attractive to bees and other pollinators.
However, and sadly some farmers and crop experts argue that there is insufficient data, which may well be true, however this is of such a serious concern that we must stop the risk now and investigate further, to do it the other way round is just not worth the risk
Fifteen of the EU member countries voted in favour of a ban which is not enough to form a qualified majority. According to EU rules the Commission will now have the option to impose a two-year restriction on neonicotinoids. The UK did not support a ban the government un-surprisingly backs big business rather than the environmentalists and scientists and claims that the science behind the proposal is inconclusive, however there are enough pointers to show a strong link.
However, fortunately the UK can not opt out. Hopefully this will help bee numbers increase
Neonicotinoid chemicals in pesticides are thought to harm the bees and the European Commission has now announced that they should be restricted to crops not attractive to bees and other pollinators.
However, and sadly some farmers and crop experts argue that there is insufficient data, which may well be true, however this is of such a serious concern that we must stop the risk now and investigate further, to do it the other way round is just not worth the risk
Fifteen of the EU member countries voted in favour of a ban which is not enough to form a qualified majority. According to EU rules the Commission will now have the option to impose a two-year restriction on neonicotinoids. The UK did not support a ban the government un-surprisingly backs big business rather than the environmentalists and scientists and claims that the science behind the proposal is inconclusive, however there are enough pointers to show a strong link.
However, fortunately the UK can not opt out. Hopefully this will help bee numbers increase