Imidacloprid (Gaucho) is not exactly banned, but it is suspended for all
corn seed treatment untill 2006, When the E.U. regulation will take place of
the states ones . Then, it will be in the hands of the European
administration to give or suspend the authorizations . But if we sum up the
situation at that time for France :
.Imidaclprid suspended on sunflower seeds in 1998
.Fipronil suspended on all crops untill the european decision (end of 2005
for this molecule), decision taken last february
.Imidacloprid suspended now on corn seeds(some leaders of agriculture
movements told us last year : you'll never succed with corn, because it is
far too important economically for too many productions and too many people
. You've got it with sunflower because it is not so important, nobody really
mind ; but corn, you really can't touch it...)
.And last but not least, Bayer and BASF prosecuted in France, put on trial,
Bayer having to pay a 2 million euros provision, to prepare the compensation
for all victims, mainly beekeepers .
.Above all of this, human health is now in question on the public place :
Fipronil has a fairly high affinity with fats . Cows used for milk are
eating huge quantities of corn, often treated with fipronil . Residues are
beeing found in both milk and meat, and scientists now say that it may
affect severly those who eat regularly those products (and fruits, and
vegetables, and oil)paticularly young children . And we do'nt even talk
about "frontline" for dogs and cats...

You know, it looks like a real problem (big enough to alert Michaël Moore?)
What about the situation in America ?
We've heard of problems with imidacloprid residues in the water in Canada,
and also of a 45 million dollars agreement beetween Bayer and some lobster
producers . Who's next...

Bernard Saubot






----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, May 27, 2004 8:43 PM
Subject: [BEE-L] Imidacloprid in France


> I've just been told by a friend in France that finally two days ago,
> imidacloprid (trade name Gaucho) was banned for corn seed
> treatment in France due to bee losses.
> She also mentioned that they have a honey shortage, and theft of
> beehives has become a problem.
> Maybe others can supply more details. I've been tied up and cannot
> get here as often as I'd like.
> Dave Green
> The Pollination Home Page:  http://pollinator.com
>
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