On 16 January, EFSA published its report concerning the impact of neonicotinoids on honey bees. While in its report EFSA highlights a "number of risks" posed to bees by pollinators from neonicotinoids, it has not called for a ban or restrictions on the use of neonicotinoids and points out that, due to shortcomings in available data, their scientists were unable to finalise some of the risk assessments, thereby limiting the certainty of their findings.

Despite the gaps in data and inconclusive findings, critics of neonicotinoids remain concerned about their overall effects on bees and EFSA and the European Commission face continued backlash over the continued authorisation of these insecticides. In contrast, the absence of any ban on neonicotinoids and the lack of conclusive evidence to support fears about the effects they have on bees, will come as welcome news to the insecticides industry.  Indeed, just one day before EFSA's report was released, a review of the socio-economic value of neonicotinoids was published by Humboldt Forum for Food and Agriculture ("Humboldt").

Humboldt, an EU think tank, warns that any decision to ban neonicotinoids will do nothing to improve declines in bee colonies and could have a significant impact on the EU farming and food production industries.   

http://www.mondaq.com/x/224116/Life+Sciences+Biotechnology/EFSA+Restrictions+For+Neonicotinoids

             ***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software.  For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html

Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at:
http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm