This year in Ontario, [honey bee] losses were below 18 per cent during the moderate winter. . . . Bee health is complex and is impacted by a combination of factors, including weather.
The Ontario government’s recently introduced neonicotinoid restrictions were not a factor on these overwintering numbers since they only impacted planting which occurred in the spring. . . [F]armers’ use of neonicotinoid-treated seeds has been relatively consistent over the last few years while overwintering numbers fluctuated significantly.
There’s clearly a disconnect between beekeepers themselves and the leadership of the Ontario Beekeepers’ Association (OBA). The OBA’s singular focus on having neonics banned is holding the beekeeping sector back in Ontario. Rather than being part of the vibrant agriculture sector and collaborating . . . they are on the outside aligned with activist groups.
Farmers choose to use neonic-treated seed because it is a safe and effective way to protect their crops that actually minimizes exposure to non-target organisms like bees. The neonicotinoid pesticide restriction in Ontario imposes onerous conditions . . . on farmers.
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Pollinators would be much better served if we . . . ended the blame game to work towards meaningful solutions.
The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis. Read full, original post: Winter bee deaths unrelated to spring pesticides
