I actually posted the same exact article earlier this week, including the note from the bottom, which included this statement:

1. There has been no improvement in bee health following the restrictions on the use of neonicotinoids in any EU countries.

Randy asked for support for the statement, so I contacted the source, the National Farmers' Union. Their response, in part:

As for the 'last sentence' - it is based on the fact there is no evidence to the contrary. Where various neonicotinoids have been banned, bee health problems continue - there is simply no clear evidence out there that demonstrates significant improvement in bee health following the withdrawal of neonictinoid use.  Even the Soil Association bee briefing on neonictinoids says "90 billion bees died over the last 10 years reducing honey yields by unto 60%" despite imidacloprid being banned on key crops since Jan 1999.

The Buglife report, which calls for a ban on use of neonicotinoids, is not supported by any of the UK beekeeping organisations, (Bee Farmers Association - the professional beekeepers or BBKA British Beekeepers Association representing the amateurs) but is supported by the Soil Association and PAN UK - organisations with a very clear anti-pesticide agenda.

* * *

This, from Norm Carreck:

There is a view that with the growing of food using organic farming systems, the use of pesticides can be entirely eliminated. Although organically farmed land now comprises about 3% of agricultural land in the UK1, 85% of it is permanent or temporary pasture, so the proportion of arable land farmed organically is actually negligible. The vast majority of arable land is thus farmed “conventionally” and the application of pesticides is likely to feature in its management.

Oilseed rape ["canola"] remains one of the most economically important crops in the UK, with more than 600,000 ha being grown each year. It also provides one of the major nectar sources to UK beekeepers. Pest control remains a major problem and the crop therefore remains the greatest potential threat to honey bees from insecticides should the products used change from those currently employed. There is no organic oilseed rape grown, partly due to a lack of market, but primarily due to insurmountable pest and disease problems.

plb

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