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muriel_volestrangler

(101,146 posts)
Mon Apr 29, 2013, 08:53 AM Apr 2013

Bee deaths: EU to ban neonicotinoid pesticides

Source: BBC

A vote in the EU has paved the way for the European Commission to restrict the use of pesticides linked to bee deaths in scientific studies.
...
Neonicotinoid chemicals in pesticides are believed to harm bees and the European Commission says they should be restricted to crops not attractive to bees and other pollinators.

But many farmers and crop experts argue that there is insufficient data.

Fifteen countries voted in favour of a ban - not enough to form a qualified majority. According to EU rules the Commission will now impose a two-year restriction on neonicotinoids.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22335520



An explanation of the voting:

The landmark suspension is a victory for millions of environment campaigners concerned about dramatic declines in bees who were backed by experts at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). But it is a serious defeat for the chemical companies who make billions a year from the products and also UK ministers, who both argued that the ban will harm food production.
...
The vote by the 27 member states of the European Union to suspend the insect nerve agents was supported by most nations, but did not reach the required majority under EU voting rules. However, the hung vote hands the final decision to the European commission (EC) who will implement the ban. "It's done," said an EC source, indicating that a formal announcement on the ban is expected within weeks.

The EC argued that EFSA has provided "a strong, substantive and scientific case for the suspension", which it said was proportionate to the risk. Three neonicotinoids will be banned from use for two years on flowering crops such as corn, oil seed rape and sunflowers, upon which bees feed.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/apr/29/bee-harming-pesticides-banned-europe
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Bee deaths: EU to ban neonicotinoid pesticides (Original Post) muriel_volestrangler Apr 2013 OP
Thanks for your articles on bees. marble falls Apr 2013 #1
Wow! Scalded Nun Apr 2013 #2
Yes, my very thoughts after reading this. dmosh42 Apr 2013 #3
+1 BrotherIvan Apr 2013 #5
Kick dipsydoodle Apr 2013 #4

Scalded Nun

(1,231 posts)
2. Wow!
Mon Apr 29, 2013, 09:24 AM
Apr 2013

Imagine, erring on the side that does NOT represent the 'Corporation', but on the side of nature.

Quite a concept. We could use that here.

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