A Stricken Sector of Production in Apiculture: Beekeeping, hit in full
flight.
Reasons for the national demonstration, 23rd - 24th - 25th October 2000 in
front of Bayer's factory, Cormery, France.
The Co-ordination of French Beekeepers
Translated by Peter Dillon [log in to unmask]
1. APICULTURE: A CATASTROPHIC SITUATION, TOWARDS THE END.
The expansion of sunflower culture in France since 1984/1985 allowed a large
number of beekeeping exploitations to be maintained, even develop in
unfavorable economic climate.
Effectively, the price paid to the French honey producer for either blossom
honey or the basic honeys of sunflower, rape and alfalfa was associated with
the level of those paid for imported honeys: the latter often being produced
in regions of the world where operational costs are much lower and nectar
sources more abundant.
Nevertheless, the important and stable yield of the sunflower not only
allowed production at a competitive selling price compared with imported
honey, but equally it generated a commercially intense export activity.
Northern countries of the European Union had a passion for these French
sunflower honeys; quality wise they were recognized as excellent honeys.
These interesting perspectives in terms of production and commercialization
gave rise to new beekeeping installations (especially amongst young people),
whilst established beekeepers increased their stocks and adapted their
production equipment, allowing for best possible use of the new potential.
As a result, and even not taking into consideration heavy investments into
buildings and vehicles, the whole beekeeping network profited: honey
dealers, equipment sales, development of new materials, development of new
honey products.
The increase of bee stocks in the areas of intensive crop farming, where
sunflower is grown, guarantees an even better supply of pollinating insects
on rape, alfalfa etc. Furthermore neither seed producers, arboriculturists,
soft fruit farmers complained about the surplus colonies of bees, nor the
average person. Indeed, more bees favor bio-diversity, already badly
attacked by human activity in these vast croplands.
Since 1994 the beekeepers of central France, (in 1995 or 1996 in other
regions) noticed that at the beginning of the sunflower honey flow brutal
population losses occurred in the honeybee colonies.
A weakened colony results in a reduced honey harvest. Year on year, this
phenomenon of "colony melt down" has amplified, verified by evolving
production levels.
Effectively, figures communicated by two principal apicultural
co-operatives - Cooperative France Miel (Mouchard - 39) / Cooperative
Apicole of Charentes and Poitou (Surgères - 17) -, translated a fall in
their collect of sunflower honey between 1995 and 1999 of the order of 50%.
Also, a study of accounts carried out by the Deux-Sevres Chamber of
Agriculture on four professional exploitations illustrated the degradation
in production figures for sunflower honey (see document in annex).
Until the appearance of this phenomenon of "melting away" of bee colonies on
the sunflower nectar flow, the exploitations working in areas of arable
agriculture realized 70 to 90% of their annual global production from the
sunflowers! Even where the market for sunflower honey has had for four years
a certain increase in value, it has never been enough to cover for the
losses in production. Worse still, in conjunction with the depopulation
during July/ beginning of August, beekeepers deplore winter losses, at
levels never encountered before. (traditionally at 5 to 10%, they have risen
to levels of 20 - 40%!)
In these conditions of production of lower turnover and increased charges,
there are many exploitations in areas of arable agriculture where
profitability has been compromised, to the point where they can no longer
feed their families, even to the point of bankruptcy and closure. Therefore,
it is the whole of the apicultural network that is suffering.
2. BEES AND PESTICIDES / DANGEROUS LIASONS.
During this century, Man has turned more and more towards pesticides. The
need to protect or privilege crops, associated with the increase of land put
into agriculture use means that agriculture is by far the greatest user of
pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, acaricides etc.).
Since the 1940s, thick carpets of dead bees in front of hives or worse,
colonies completely annihilated in the space of a few days, constantly
reminds beekeepers that in general - and certainly for the older molecules -
insecticides are not selective. The useful character of the bee does not
mean that is protected against lethal intoxication - useful insects are
still insects. From a general point of view, products, known as herbicides,
fungicides, acaricides, aphicides, do have an insecticidal action:
intoxication level is a question of dose and contamination pathway.
Neurotoxic molecules have been developed over the last three decades.
Occasionally they are applied in less than good agricultural practice, used
for the wrong purpose, or without respect to the recognized dose Sometimes,
even when used in good agricultural conditions, their "homologation" was not
sufficiently studied in a pertinent manner. In both cases, their use results
in a hemorrhage of bees, or weakening of exposed bee colonies, even if one
doesn't observe the dead bees in front of the hives. One can refer to
sub-lethal effects of a neurotoxic pesticide, without observable death
within the few hours after contamination but expressed with "sly" and more
complex symptoms relating to behavior problems".
These symptoms of comportemental sub-lethal intoxication are multiple. At
extremely low dose levels, certain neuro-toxic pesticides affect
reproductive comportment, feeding behavior or the ability to lay eggs
properly. Influence on locomotion as seen in the de-coupling of flight
muscles occurs - resulting in difficulties in controlled directional flight,
whilst at intra-colony level functioning of essential communication between
individuals is disturbed.
During the last four to six years at the beginning of the sunflower honey
flow, with an absence of mass mortality before hives, it has been easy to
observe that harvesting bees have an abnormal comportment. In the sunflower
fields themselves the work undertaken by the bees actually on the flowers is
ineffective or non-existent, with too long periods of rest or sequences of
persistent body cleaning/ scratching. Bees that are to be found away from
the normally attractive areas of the plant and those to be found on the
ground are hit by a sort of paralysis. Their predators have a field day! In
front of the hive entrances there are very frequent failures in landing or
take off. This is associated with excessive filtering and aggressiveness by
guard bees.
It is reasonable to associate these symptoms with the massive "melting away"
of the populations, which consequently profoundly deregulate and damage the
global activity of the colony. Those bees that remain try to reorganize,
notably by a reconstitution of the colony; directing energy towards
increased reproduction. The symptomatic study of harvesting bees at the
beginning of the sunflower honey flow allows for correlation between the
massive depopulation of the colony and the sub-lethal intoxication by minute
doses of a neuro toxin.
Since 1997, more than half of the sunflower seed has been treated with
"GAUCHO", (BAYER), formulated with the active neurotoxic material
Imidacloprid - and as its introduction onto sunflower coincided with the
debut of apicultural problems, the treatment with "GAUCHO" had to be
considered as the probable cause of beehive depopulation.
3. THE GAUCHO DOSSIER.
From its introduction, "Imidacloprid" the active substance was announced as
the first systemic soil insecticide applied as a seed treatment ("GAUCHO").
Neuro toxic, it works by contact as well as ingestion, on the nervous system
by maintaining neural activity, inducing a tetanic condition resulting in
the death of the insect. It presents a wide spectrum of effectiveness: soil
pests as well as piercing/sucking insects are affected.
Even just coating a seed, due to its persistence it will be present
throughout the whole of the plants growing cycle, and due to its remarkable
systemic properties, it will be transported by the sap circulation to all
parts of the plant. It is very toxic for the bee, but the formulation
"GAUCHO" was not supposed to contaminate pollen and nectar, which are
susceptibly harvested by bees during the flowering of the crop. "GAUCHO" is
authorized as a seed treatment for Beet, Maize, all straw cereals and
sunflowers.
Imidacloprid is found in other formulations in France: "CONFIDOR" (spray
treatments for fruit trees), "POLYAXE" (Horticulture), "ADVANTAGE"
(treatment against fleas on dogs and cats).
The principal stages and diverse studies characterizing the research on the
possible effects on bees following applications of "GAUCHO" to sunflower
seed are as follows:
Autumn 1994, the beekeepers of the central areas of France, faced with
problems following the recent sunflower nectar flow questioned BAYER on the
subject of "GAUCHO", introduced the same year on sunflowers. Field and
tunnel trials are put in place by BAYER: notably in 1995 and in 1997 in the
area of central France and in 1996 in Germany. BAYER concluded the strict
innocuousness for bees of GAUCHO on sunflowers.
From 1995 and as "GAUCHO"/sunflower took hold in other areas of France,
their beekeepers asked about the causes following the phenomenon of
depopulation on sunflower honey flows. The symptomatic features led to
thoughts of a sub-lethal intoxication via a neuro toxin. According to
beekeepers, BAYER was unable to furnish guarantees allowing for the
exoneration of its product. (meeting of ACTA, 24th Oct. 1997)
The " Commission des Toxiques" asked its experts Mr's Belzunces and Tasei to
make an appraisal using the known and available facts (studies from BAYER,
beekeeper witnesses, and articles). Following the presentation of the report
(11th Dec. 1997), the Commission noticed the urgent need to study the
different hypothesis's.
An extensive program of studies, taking in a number of research groups, and
at a cost of 6.000 kF. was realized during the year of 1998. The resulting
rapport concluded with "an apparent contradiction": the laboratory trials
after analytical results on residues indicated a danger for bees from
Imidacloprid at concentrations levels of a few parts per billion (ppb.)
possibly encountered by bees in natural conditions. This uncovered risk was
not corroborated by observations in the field (this sentence really should
not have been written - as contested by beekeepers, there was nothing done!)
The, 16th Dec. 1998, the Commission des Toxiques didn't want to get involved
and proposed to renew trials in 1999. Instead the Minister of Agriculture,
Mr. Glavany, on the 22nd Jan. 1999 stated that the use of "GAUCHO" on
sunflowers was to be suspended for the whole of the French Territory, whilst
studies to be carried out in years 1999 and 2000 produced results. This was
the first time that the "Principal of Precaution" had been applied to an
environmental problem.
Notably BAYER before the State Council attacked this ministerial decision.
The three Apicultural Unions intervened in the procedure, on the side of the
Minister of Agriculture: on the 29th Dec. 1999, the inquest on the
cancellation of the decision was rejected!
On the 13th of August 1999, the Dutch Government decided to withdraw all
authorizations for the use of Imidacloprid in open-air conditions from 1st
Jan. 2000. The reasons invoked were: the too long persistence in soils of
the molecule with regard to European Standards, a intolerable toxicity vis a
vis birds (A beet treated seed ingested by a bird the size of a sparrow was
lethal), toxicity vis a vis bees did not conform to Uniform Principles.
BAYER blocked the process notably by submerging the Dutch administration
with "new scientific data". A decision is to be taken 1st Nov. 2000.
It seems that France is the only country in the world to authorize the use
of GAUCHO on sunflowers: it was also troubling to see that French beekeepers
were originally alone in announcing grave problems on "colony melt down" in
areas of arable agriculture.
Recently, beekeepers in Spain, Italy, some states in the U.S.A. are
encountering problems that cannot be explained other than by sub-lethal
intoxication caused by Imidacloprid, very notably from maize treated with
"GAUCHO": bees harvest the pollen from maize plants.
4. THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE RELATING TO GAUCHO - BEES AT THE DATE OF 15th Oct
2000.
It is true that certain study reports ordered in January 1999, by the
Minister J. Glavany have still not seen the light of day (Rapport N° 4 from
CNRS / Orleans - Dr Bonmatin: residues in pollen, nectars and honeys), and
that others are reserved for a selected public (the rapport's of BAYER and
of CETIOM). It is still possible to propose a synthesis.
The resulting analyses on residues undertaken by CNRS/Orleans confirm the
strong hypotheses of 1998 or reveal the following:
Sunflowers and maize treated with "GAUCHO" contain Imidacloprid in all parts
of the plant. It is to be noted that there is even an increase in quantity
at the moment of flowering (Increased metabolic action in the plant).
Several metabolites are present, with toxic properties comparable to the
original molecule.
Imidacloprid resides in the soil at significant levels, two years at least
after a crop treated with "GAUCHO" The transfer of this residual
Imidacloprid in the soil towards a non-treated plant is particularly
effective in the case of sunflowers and maize, hence, foraged by bees.
The bioavailability of the Imidacloprid is notably illustrated by its
presence in pollen and nectar, at a level of some ppb. (Confirmation by CNRS
to be completed). The organization CETIOM by press release announced that
nectar from sunflowers treated with "GAUCHO" may contain 0.4 to 5 ppb. of
Imidacloprid.
Note that fruit trees having been treated with CONFIDOR at authorized levels
frequently produced fruits containing 100ppb of Imidacloprid after
respecting the delay period before harvesting (the maximum residue limit for
fruits is fixed at 300ppb.)
The biological effects on bees are reported as follows:
Dr. Marc Colin (INRA) studied the effects on the frequentation,
characterized by several criteria, by bees at sources of food (contaminated
and non-contaminated), under semi-controlled conditions. For Imidacloprid,
the effects are always present at 6 ppb. At 3 ppb., the effects are present
under certain conditions. The toxicity of the Olefin metabolite is clear at
1.5ppb.: they are still present at 0.75ppb., but less regular.
Dr. M.H. Pham- Delègue (INRA) reported in October 2000 that the prolonged
ingestion of syrups contaminated with Imidacloprid induces a significant
reduction in olfactory learning performances at levels equal or above 12
ppb.
Dr. Belzunces (INRA) notably reported that the prolonged ingestion by the
bee at 4.5pg (picogram)/ 24 hr., of either Imidacloprid or its metabolites
caused the appearance of significant mortalities three or four days after
the start of treatment (for comparison, and with regard to the weight of the
individual, this is equivalent to a daily diet for a human of only four
millionths of a gram!). He insists on toxicity of the Imidacloprid
metabolites, bio-available or resulting from the rapid metabolism of
Imidacloprid within the bee.
5. QUESTIONS ARISING FROM THIS ACCOUNT.
Wouldn't it be a grave error of judgment not to correlate the sub-lethal
toxic effects of Imidacloprid, which start at a level of some ppb. in
laboratory conditions with those of hive depopulation in the field, knowing
that it is biologically available at levels of several ppb.?
One may read today: " that "GAUCHO" risks to come into play at a level of a
few ppb.". Remarking that in the risk evaluation of a pesticide in relation
to human health, there is a security factor resulting from strict tests of
100 put in place for tolerated exposure levels; (undertaken upon animals
such as rats, mice, dogs, cats and rabbits). It seems normal that Man should
benefits from these safeguards, since apparently in the domain of toxic risk
assessment science is not exact. Believing Albert Einstein, Man survives
thanks to the bee, "No bees, no pollination, no plants, no animals, no Man".
Would it not be better to apply in all cases the results of toxicological
studies undertaken in laboratories to bees, with a coefficient of security
greater than 1, to fix tolerable limits in bio-availability?
Does "GAUCHO", also used as a preventative treatment against aphid attack
not pose a problem as aphids cause harm only one year in six. When the
former situation arises only one year in six. Is this compatible with the
concept of "reasoned agriculture"?
The bee is considered as a true indicator of the environment's state of the
health. As it is not a question anymore that the available Imidacloprid in
the natural environment is a danger for bees does it not suggest that other
useful insects are being aggressed?
If with the domesticated bee, other auxiliary insects are being attacked,
does it not inevitably lead to a lack in pollination plus an absence of
predator insects preying on pests? The too long persistence in soils of
Imidacloprid, added to its frequent and multiple use result in a fear that
there will be an accumulation of it and its metabolites in soil?
The extreme toxicity of Imidacloprid for earthworms has been shown, notably
by A.C.T.A.: according to BAYER, the worm population recovers after six to
nine months. In these conditions, do we not need to worry for the survival
of earthworms, indispensable agents for the working of soils and development
of the microbial mass?
The suspension of "GAUCHO" on sunflowers during the last two years has
allowed a more recent molecule to establish onto the market: "FIPRONIL"
(produced by Rhone-Poulenc, now Aventis). For sunflowers it is found under
the form of: Seed treatment ("Régent"); micro-granules (+ aldicarb as
"Trident"); Ground spray ("Schuss").
Beekeepers have observed that where sunflowers are treated with "REGENT",
bees become ill once the sunflowers start to flower and produce nectar
(Filmed sequences are available).
The report from studies undertaken by Dr.M.E. Colin (INRA-Avignon), show
that the bees have a foraging behavior less efficient and less conform when
compared too the one seen on organically grown sunflowers. "FIPRONIL"
concerning its chronic toxicity for bees, is as least as toxic as "GAUCHO".
"FIPRONIL" is present in the plant and is very persistent in soil.
6. AUTHORIZATION AND REGULATIONS.
In France, the regulations covering the use of insecticides date from 1943.
They have since undergone several modifications.
Imidacloprid obtained its first provisional authorization for sale in 1991 -
for the treatment of Beet seed ("GAUCHO / Beet) after passing an examination
by the "Commission des Toxiques", charged to evaluate the product and an
examination by the "Comité d'Homologation", charged to evaluate a product's
effectiveness. The authorization dossier for "GAUCHO"(1992), under the
chapter " toxicity towards non-target organisms / bees", mentions nothing
more than the L(ethal) D(ose)50 allowing for the classification of
Imidacloprid as very toxic for bees. As a general rule, the authorization is
given by the Minister of Agriculture for a ten-year period. Logically,
"GAUCHO" should therefore be re-examined according to national regulations
during 2001 if BAYER wishes to continue with its sale: in this case, BAYER
should already have signaled this fact to the administration.
Imidacloprid, being on the market before 25th July 1993, had no need to be
evaluated by the European Directive 91/414 and is not therefore really
listed on the European positive list, a required obligation in the granting
of permission to have formulation accepted in one of the E.U. countries.
(Derogation was given to substances produced before the date of 25th July
1993).
It appears therefore that Imidacloprid is due for examination under this
directive in the year 2003. For many reasons other than considerations
concerning bees, it is improbable that Imidacloprid will pass the
examination of the directive 91/414..
The risk assessment for the bees only considers acute toxicity: for this
reason, it is not surprising that the sub-lethal effects were never taken
into account before the aforementioned studies were evoked.
7. RELYING ON THE KNOWLEDGE AND ARGUEMENTS AFOREMENTIONED, BEEKEEPERS ESTEEM
THAT THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO DEMAND:
The final withdrawal of all products formulated from Imidacloprid
The suspension of all products formulated from "FIPRONIL" from AVENTIS,
applying the "Principle of Precaution".
The revision of the procedures of authorization, taking into account the
security and the protection of the bee. Special care should be taken for the
development and conception of toxicological tests. They should reveal all
effects, prejudicial to the global activity of the colony and the state of
its brood, as well as to the survival of the individual bee.
15th October 2000
La Coordination des Apiculteurs de France (SNA, SPMF, UNAF, FDSEA 79, FDSEA
85)
The Co-ordination of French Beekeepers.
(SNA, SPMF, UNAF, FDSEA 79, FDSEA 85)
Translated by Peter Dillon [log in to unmask]
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ENQUIRY ON SUNFLOWER HONEY - RESUME
Following an important fall in production in Sunflower honey, an enquiry
into the quantities harvested was undertaken by the Chamber of Agriculture
in the county of Deux-Sevres following a request from a beekeepers union
Four beekeepers were chosen. They owned approximately 10% of the hives found
in the county (2500 against 20000 present).
The figures relate to the years 1992 - 1999.
The apiaries had become non-productive, either in 1995/96, year of
introduction of "GAUCHO", or between 1996/99. The areas in the plains
appeared to be most affected. The nectar flows produced by other crops pose
no questions.
Results (Sunflower harvest): For the period 1992/93, three exploitations
were taken into account. For 1994/95 four exploitations are taken into
account.
Year Number of hives Total production (kg) Hive production (kg)
x x x x
Have a look at the scoreboard
http://www.beekeeping.com/articles/gaucho/gaucho_france.htm
For the bee farmers, an average loss of 215 538 kilograms of honey was
noted, which represents a loss in turnover of 2 550 456 FF if a sale price
of 12 FF is applied.
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COOPERATIVE APICOLE OF CHARENTES AND POITOU
TABLE SHOWING: SUNFLOWER HONEY YEARLY HARVEST TOTALS SINCE 1995
YEAR VOLUME (kg.)
1995 1 000 893
1996 1 109 950
1997 638 727
1998 637 446
1999 500 000
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COOPERATIVE FRANCE MIEL
*For 1999, Figures based on expected supplies from information supplied to
Co operative by beekeepers.
TREND OF SUNFLOWER HARVESTS 1988 - 1999
The Co-operative France-MIEL, created in 1958, has at its disposal
significant data on the trends of different varieties of honey. These
figures are informative, since the beekeepers are committed to supply the
totality of their annual harvests to the Co operative, which has in turn a
laboratory specializing in the floral determination of the supplied honeys.
Due to this fact, the amount harvested determined as sunflower honey
corresponds to precise technical criteria.
The Co-operative collects on average 2 000 tons of French honey per year, a
third of which is sunflower
Have a look at the scoreboard
http://www.beekeeping.com/articles/gaucho/gaucho_france.htm
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Regards,
Gilles RATIA
Beekeeping Consultant
Webmaster of the "Virtual Beekeeping Gallery" http://www.beekeeping.com
President of the Apimondia Standing Commission on Beekeeping Technology and
Equipment
APISERVICES
Beekeeping Development
"Le Terrier"
F-24420 Coulaures - FRANCE
Phone: +33 (0)5 53 05 91 13
Mobile: +33 (0)6 07 68 49 39
Fax: +33 (0)5 53 05 44 57
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