When Bob recently reminded us that the head of the French Apicultural Union said
that the situation in France improved after the partial banning of Gaucho and
Regent, I questioned that having heard rumour to that effect and after seeing a
report on Apimondia in Montpelier. He was quoted again in the French press
yesterday:
http://www.laterre.fr/article.php3?id_article=442 (in French)
or in Franglais:
http://tinyurl.com/2w24fdn
So, he is still saying that the banning improved the situation, but he is
acknowledging other causes too. A slight shift in position, but not the strong
one I suggested previously.
There is a very comprehensive and carefully worded review of bee losses in
France here:
http://www.afssa.fr/Documents/SANT-Ra-MortaliteAbeilles.pdf
Unusually for a French technical report, it offers an English translation
alongside the French in the report. Well worth a read if you have even a vague
interest in what is happening to bee colonies in France. It refuses to commit
itself on the causes of colony losses, but it does give the evidence a good
airing. My impression is that the authors of the report would give a different
emphasis from M Clement quoted above, but read it for yourself and find out.
best wishes
Gavin
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