Neonics: “There are sure two sides to this story — with only one being told.”
November 28, 2013
Editor’s Note: The article below, written by a former associate dean for research and innovation in the Ontario Agricultural College at University of Guelph contains two quotes in particular that should serve as a stark warning to regulatory officials contemplating a ban on neonicotinoids:
- “In France, the number of bee colonies dropped by 25% after a neonic ban was imposed in 1999.”
- In Ontario, “bee colony numbers are increasing, climbing almost 50%…since neonic seed treatments were introduced in 2004.”
From: London Free Press/Opinion
Proposed insecticide ban buzzes industry
Terry Daynard, Special to QMI Agency
Some beekeeping and environmental groups want to ban the usage of neonicotinoid (“neonic”) insecticides. Neonics are used to protect food crops from insect damage, for controlling fleas on pets and for protecting ash trees. As a farmer using neonic seed treatments during springtime planting to protect my corn plants, I decided to dig deeper — talking to bee professionals and researchers and reading the underlying science. There are sure two sides to this story — with only one being told.
Public claims about a neonic-induced honey bee “Armageddon” seem much exaggerated. Statistics show that bee colony numbers are increasing, climbing almost 50% in Ontario since neonic seed treatments were introduced in 2004. Ontario fruit and vegetable farmers report no problems in securing honey bee colonies for crop pollination. Ontario even sends thousands of hives for pollination to Atlantic Canada.
In France, the number of bee colonies dropped by 25% after a neonic ban was imposed in 1999.
While some beekeepers have experienced sizable losses, many others have not, even when locating hives beside corn. The beekeeper with hives on my corn farm reports no unusual losses.
Beekeeper associations in Western Canada, where 80% of Canadian honey is produced and 80% of Canadian neonic seed treatment occurs, say neonics aren’t a problem. They oppose a ban.
Anti-neonic campaigners say neonics caused a 37% bee loss last winter. But the Ontario bee loss was only 12% the previous winter, and crop neonic usage was about the same in both preceding seasons. Losses are usually made up quickly in springtime by bee multiplication.
Nevertheless, some beekeepers are experiencing large losses. From my perspective, there are at least three reasons.
One major problem is new diseases and bee pests, including the devastating varroa mite. While beekeepers often say these parasites are “under control,” varroa mites are carriers for devastating virus that are poorly understood and rarely monitored. Researchers say only three mites per 100 bees ensure overwinter colony death. Chemicals used by beekeepers to combat the mites can also cause bee deaths.
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