Little Wolf Apiaries  wrote:
> >Isolationism?  At what cost?<

The point is that isolationism can be applied very quickly, very cheaply  - as shown by EU ban on neonics. So can avoid an epidemic or an environmental risk getting out of hand. 

Compare that with time required to pressure Chem companies to develop a weakened version of neonics, that could be sprayed on a crop only when pest infestation justifies, still able to kill an  aphid.  That would stop releasing tons of the strongest pest poison ever devised into every corn and canola field.   But would take years. 

Isolationism can tell producers of chems - or of bees - that changes are demanded and cover the time gap.  

I realise some will want to reply 'what environmental risk with neonics?'  presumably the same cry went up when DDT was first questioned in 1962 - DDT was synthesised in 1874, discovered to be an insecticide in 1939, used agriculturally after the War, questioned as a cause of cancer in 1962, banned in US in 1972.  It does take time to uncover all effects of a new poison, especially in a climate where many consider it reasonable for the chem manufacturers to vilify an independent scientist who raises questions, in order to protect their profits. 

Robin 
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