Editor’s Note: See, The Economic Benefits of Neonicotinoid Seed Treatement: A Federal Research Plan and Canada’s PMRA Puts Dollar Value On Neonic Seed Treatments.
From: Farmers Guardian
UK farmers ‘must learn lessons’ from New Zealand on agricultural reform
UK farmers should not look to New Zealand as a ‘recipe’ for how to deal with major agricultural reform but learn lessons from a country which saw the overnight removal of subsidies lead to a major increase in efficiency and innovation
Olivia Midgley
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November 21, 2017
Editor’s Note: It is “the global trade in honey bees and migratory beekeeping practices within countries,” not neonics, that poses the greatest threat to bees. See here and here.
From: EcoJustice
Bees v. government & industry, round two
Charles Hatt, Lawyer
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This case is an example of the great endurance litigation demands. Thanks to your support, we’ve not only been able to launch this lawsuit, but we’ve been able to successfully resist repeated attempts to block our clients – and pollinators – from getting their day in court. Thank you!
November 20, 2017
Editor’s Note: Under US EPA risk assessment procedures, source studies must meet the standards set by the Data Quality Act and its implementing guidance in order to be considered. Will EFSA hold its source studies to similar standards?
From: Food Ingredients 1st
Neonicotinoid pesticides: EFSA to update risk assessment to bees early next year
There are just a few months to go before the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) updates its risk assessment on the potential risks to bees from neonicotinoid pesticides. The assessments for clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam will be finalized next February, following a final round of consultation with pesticide experts in the Member States.
November 17, 2017
From: The Guardian
Peter Melchett of the Soil Association bemoans the power held by the chemical industry; Huw Jones writes that agricultural policy needs expert understanding, not just political opportunism; plus letters from Deb Nicholson, Graeme Taylor and Bruce Friedrich
It’s great that Michael Gove has accepted the overwhelming scientific evidence that neonicotinoids are killing bees, other insects and birds, although it is a sad commentary on how safety decisions on pesticides have been taken up to now (Plan bee – Britain to reverse opposition to ban on colony-killing pesticide, says Gove, 9 November). The fact is that the political and economic power of the chemical industry have had far more influence than the results of independent scientific research.
November 16, 2017
Editor’s Note: The EU’s decision to delay it’s risk assessment of neonicotinoids in order to first ban neonics recalls the Red Queen’s statement in Alice in Wonderland, ‘Sentence first — verdict afterwards.’ In light of the environmental devastation being wrought by the current EU neonic restrictions, it’s worth recalling Alice’s retort to the Red Queen, “Stuff and nonsense!” In the United States, the Data Quality Act prevents stuff and nonsense from becoming the basis of environmental policy.
From: Politico.eu
By Sara Stefanini
POLITICO Pro Morning Energy and Environment, presented by GasNaturally: Politics take over in Bonn — China’s carbon trading plans — Acting on nature
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November 15, 2017
From: Reuters
John McCrank
NEW YORK (Reuters) – U.S. stock exchanges have requested the Securities and Exchange Commission delay the rollout of a massive new database aimed at helping the regulator better police the markets so they can address cyber security concerns and conduct more testing.
The exchanges are seeking to postpone by a year implementation of the first phase of the Consolidated Audit Trail, or CAT, which was to begin on Wednesday, according to a letter to the SEC dated Nov. 13 and posted on its website. It was signed by representatives from Intercontinental Exchange’s (ICE.N) New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq Inc (NDAQ.O), CBOE Global Markets (CBOE.O) and other exchanges.
November 15, 2017
Editor’s Note: EFSA risk assessments need to be evaluated in light of (1) previous EFSA work on neonicotinoids being determined to be unfit for government use (2) EFSA’s conflicts of interest and (3) data demonstrating that neonic bans don’t help bees.
From: Horticulture Week
by Matthew Appleby
After Defra said it wants an end to neonicotinoid use, Friends of the Earth has increased its campaign demanding Homebase/Bunnings ban use of the pesticides and for the RHS to be clear on neonics in Perfect for Pollinators, while EFSA says it will update risk assessments.
November 14, 2017
Editor’s Note: An alternative view (November 8, 2017)
From: Science Media Centre (November 9, 2017)
expert reaction to Michael Gove announcement on neonicotinoids
The UK’s environment secretary Michael Gove, has announced that the UK will back a total ban on neonicotinoids across Europe.
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Prof. Richard Pywell, Biodiversity science area head at the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, said:
“I welcome the fact that independent expert evidence from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, and the wider scientific community, has been taken into consideration by the European Commission and the UK Government with regard to further restrictions proposed on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides.
November 13, 2017
Updated November 10, 2017
11/10/17
A number of leading European Universities may or may not not agree with particular aspects of CRE’s analysis of bees and neonicotinoids but we are pleased when they do conclude that all relevant information should be made available to all parties which surprisingly is not a position shared by the UK government.
CRE continues to welcome contact from interested parties.
11/08/17
Based upon CRE’s review of the published data concerning the Woodcock study, as opposed to a review of all its supporting data which have not been made available to the public, it appears that a study performed by the NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology [a UK governmental agency] can not be used by US regulators because it fails to meet the standards mandated in the Data Quality Act notwithstanding a possible action to the contrary by the EU.
November 8, 2017
From: AgPro
Alison Wedig
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“It is hard to look at the colony numbers and get a clear snapshot on overall bee health; what the numbers and charts don’t show is how much harder the beekeepers are working to keep those bees alive,” says Jeff Harris, Mississippi State University Extension research apiculturist and honey bee expert.
USDA research shows varroa mites were the top stressor for operations in 2017, though their impact on the colonies is down 11% this year compared with April through June 2016. While mites might be causing less harm than in the past, honey bee colonies will always face threats from this pest and numerous other pressures.
November 8, 2017
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