June 21, 2017
From: Bio Based Press | Towards green growth through sustainability and innovation
By: Diederik van der Hoeven
In three columns, I have investigated the question of bee colony collapse and neonicotinoids (neonics), the effect of pesticides on pollinating insects and natural pest predators, and finally the services that biodiversity renders to agriculture and the economy. I observed that a simple ‘allow or ban’ decision on neonics may not be adequate. What other mechanisms and possible outcomes do we have at hand in the regulatory process?
This is the final of four columns on neonicotinoids and their possible effects on bees, and on the wider issue of biodiversity and its importance to agriculture. Published on 2 May, 4 May, 15 May and 17 May 2017.
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I end my considerations with two quotes that speak for themselves. The first is from Jon Entine, editor of the Genetic Literacy Project and an opponent of a ban on neonicotinoids: ‘There is a tendency in the science media to report on studies, no matter how weak, that suggest problems rather than ones that reaffirm current practices as safe.’ The other is from Randy Oliver, the environmentalist, beekeeper and biologist who has done much work to unravel misconceptions about neonicotinoids: ‘When emotion trumps science, what are farmers and the Plant Protection Product industry supposed to do? It takes millions of dollars to bring a new product to market — including the newer generation ‘biopesticides’ and reduced-risk pesticides. Why should industry invest if their hard work all goes up in smoke as the result of an irrationally fearful public campaign?’
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