Scientists ‘fixed evidence’ to ban pesticides, note reveals
December 4, 2014
Editor’s Note: The following article was highlighted by a perspicacious reader.
From: The Times (London) via The Australian
Ben Webster | The Times
RESEARCH blaming pesticides for the decline in honeybees has been called into question by a leaked note suggesting scientists had decided in advance to seek evidence supporting a ban on the chemicals.
The private note records a discussion in 2010 between four scientists about how to persuade regulators to ban neonicotinoid pesticides.
The EU imposed a temporary ban last year after the European Food Safety Authority identified risks to bees.
Many farmers have blamed the ban for high levels of damage to this winter’s oilseed rape crop from flea beetle.
The leaked note says the scientists agreed to select authors to produce four papers and co-ordinate their publication to “obtain the necessary policy change, to have these pesticides banned”.
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