A Pesticide that Harms Bees Has Been Given Emergency Approval
The UK government has once more granted an emergency exemption to a type of pesticide that was previously prohibited due to its potential detrimental effects on bees.
To safeguard sugar beet crops from a harmful virus transmitted primarily by aphids, authorization was granted to use a neonicotinoid on the seeds.
Despite warnings from an independent body of pesticide experts, the authorization was granted. Friends of the Earth expressed shock at this brazen move, but Michael Sly - Chairman for NFU Sugar Board - expressed relief over the decision.
The English sugar beet crop faces an uphill battle due to virus yellows disease, leading to losses of up to 80%. The British-operated sugar industry is actively searching for permanent solutions in order to combat this affliction, according the spokesperson.
Strict limitations have been set by Defra regarding the use of thiamethoxam, a type of seed treatment. The pesticide can be administered only if an independent modelling predicts that yellows virus incidence is 63% or more to ensure minimal environmental risks and maximum efficacy.
The persistent ban on neonicotinoid pesticides remains in effect. After thorough study, Minister Mark Spencer declared the emergency authorization necessary to protect farmers and their industry from harm.
Heeding the advice of the Health and Safety Executive, as well as that of Defra's Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Gideon Henderson, and in accordance with The Expert Committee on Pesticides' (ECP) guidance, a decision was made.
Despite this, the ECP did not endorse approval and proclaimed: "Based on our evaluation of potential risks, there is a possibility that honey bee survival would decrease as well as their ability to return home after foraging trips – which in turn could lead to decreased survival rates."
The Health and Safety Executive expressed worry over the potential risks posed to bees as they forage on pollen and nectar from flowering crops planted in fields that have formerly held sugar beet treated with chemicals. Professor Henderson proposed a solution, suggesting landowners must wait 32 months before planting any new flowering crop in order to minimize this risk.
In his insight, he articulated: "There is incontrovertible proof that neonicotinoids are damaging to numerous species other than those they're designed to target, and even more so for pollinators including bees."
In permitting the authorisation, the Minister admitted that there still existed "a degree of ambiguity as to potential harm caused to bees."
Despite the pesticide not usually receiving permitting, for a third straight year, the government has been compelled to grant an emergency dispensation.
Sandra Bell of Friends the Earth has expressed her dismay at this "incredibly brazen" action, which blatantly disregards advice from scientific advisors and could result in catastrophic consequences for bees and other vital pollinators.
As the health of humanity and our planet rely on their survival, it is the government's responsibility to safeguard wildlife and remove pesticides from crops permanently. Recently, in light of a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union that blocks exemptions for EU countries using neonicotinoids-treated seeds on their crops, these measures are now being implemented in the UK.
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