Quebec is introducing new restrictions on pesticides considered harmful to honeybees.
Under the changes, farmers will have to get permission from a certified agronomist before using certain pesticides on crops.
The restricted pesticides include three types of neonicotinoides, as well as chlorpyrifos and atrazine, which has been banned in Europe for more than a decade.
Neonicotinoids, also known as neonics, are nicotine-based pesticides commonly used by farmers to help keep everything from field crops to fruit orchards free of pests like aphids, spider mites and stink bugs.
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In a statement, [Isabelle Melançon, the sustainable development minister] said the new measures strike a balance between the needs of farmers and environmental concerns.
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Representatives from the David Suzuki Foundation and Equiterre, two environment groups that have long pressed for stricter controls, were on hand for the announcement in Quebec City.
Some Quebec farmers have expressed concern about what a crackdown on pesticides will mean for crop yields.
Ontario put in place restrictions on neonics in 2014 in attempt to curb bee deaths in the province. Montreal has also banned neonicotinoids.
Read full, original post: Quebec places new restrictions on pesticides in bid to protect honeybees
