>
> >has always been the case when beekeepers can not test for a problem
> easily are recognise easily.
>

May I respectfully reply that the above is nonsense!  There has been great
demand by those attending the research meetings for research on things that
we can't easily test for, such as viruses, vitellogenin levels, effects of
fungicides, endosymbionts and probiotics, safety of HFCS, unidentified
pathogens, Nosema ceranae, effects of transport, etc.  All the above and
more readily get funding by the CSBA.  The only concern that I hear from
Calif beekeepers about neonics is the possibility that they are a problem
with chemigation in vine crops, which has now been substantiated by
research.

>Many beekeepers are accepting higher losses as the new normal.
>

Read my recent and upcoming articles in ABJ.

>
>  Only sideline & commercial usually look close at die offs.
> few hives (not even a statistic ) are tested by researchers.
>
> >Protesting and raising concerns is OK
>
> The petition is not a protest: it is a demand that EPA immediately
"promptly suspend the registration of clothianidin and issue a stop sale."
 This is laymen dictating to those who actually carefully analyze the
research what to do.  Not only that, but the beekeepers who signed on
insulted those working to protect bees by stating that the "EPA has frankly
dropped the ball."  I can assure you, that those on the honey bee task
force in the EPA do not appreciate such dissing!

>but beekeepers have not the money to force changes even if concrete proof
existed.

They don't need the money--even the slightest bit of hard evidence would
immediately force changes!  Remember, the registration of clothianidin as a
foliar application on cotton was recently revoked by EPA simply on the
basis of the precautionary principle alone, apparently initiated by an
intelligent letter by a single extension agent.

There is simply not enough evidence to date to revoke it for use as a seed
treatment (note that I did not say for landscape treatment or foliar
application).

>"Living with varroa"
> was a popular theme when varroa arrived.  "living with today's pesticides
> & fungicides" Is what beekeepers need to do.
>

A great many commercial beekeepers feel that living with today's pesticides
is far easier than living with yesterday's!

 --
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

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