What’s killing bees
July 25, 2014
From: The Globe and Mail
The reason for the higher reported bee losses in Ontario remains unclear (The Plight Of The Honey Bee – July 25). Pointing the finger at pesticides as the main culprit doesn’t serve anyone’s interests.
In Quebec and Manitoba, where insecticide-treated corn is grown similar to that in Ontario, overwintering numbers were more in line with accepted averages.
There are a number of threats to bees, including varroa mite, disease and weather. An important opportunity to find solutions to the multitude of challenges facing bee health is missed when neonics are continually singled out.
The plant science industry recognizes the importance of protecting pollinator health and that research into the various challenges that threaten bees is crucial. We are committed to working with all stakeholders to identify solution-focused approaches to ensure a sustainable future for agriculture and beekeeping.
Pierre Petelle, vice-president of chemistry, CropLife Canada
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