Ontario beekeepers drop call for ban on neonics
June 11, 2014
From: The Western Producer
Group modifies position | Organization maintains position that too many acres receive seeds treated with neonicotinoids
DRESDEN, Ont. — The Ontario Beekeepers Association has backed away from its call for a ban on neonicotinoid seed treatments, according to the organization’s president.
Instead, it has adopted the National Farmers Union position.
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Last fall, seed companies provided Canadian farmers with more choice by allowing seed to be pre-ordered with fungicide treatment but no insecticide treatment.
CropLife Canada spokesperson Nadine Sisk said farmers have always been able to buy untreated seed but have overwhelmingly chosen to use neonicotinoid-treated seed.
“We don’t feel that (the OBA’s proposal) would have the desired impact,” she said.
“First and foremost, we believe the challenge beekeepers face is diverse. This is only one potential cause of bee health challenges.”
Sisk said the new guidelines for growers and the mandated use of new seed lubricant will make a difference.
CropLife Canada has included a focus on pollinator health since the controversy surrounding seed treatments arose.
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