> >Adding this mix of chemicals to the mix of other issues and other
> chemicals
> does make it a very complex issue in terms of understanding risk.
>

Well said Meghan.   The complexity is so great, that it will never be
figured out in the lab or by the data required by EPA of the chemical
registrants.

 What I look for, and have vigorously proposed to both EPA and the chemical
registrants is to do more "ground truthing."  One way is to visit ag areas
and observe whether a diversity of pollinators manages to survive.  The
other is to establish "sentinel apiaries" throughout the country, managed
by volunteer beekeeping clubs, following rigorous best management
practices, and see how well the bees do in those areas.
-- 
Randy Oliver
Grass Valley, CA
www.ScientificBeekeeping.com

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