Ontario is taking the strongest action in North America to protect bees, birds, butterflies, and other pollinators by proposing new rules that would reduce the number of acres planted with neonicotinoid-treated corn and soybean seeds by 80 per cent by 2017.
Some neonicotinoid insecticides are toxic to bees and other beneficial insects. The province is taking a precautionary approach to limit the use of neonicotinoid treated seeds. The proposed regulation sets rules for the sale and use of such corn and soybean seeds.
The draft regulation is available for public comment on the environmental registry until May 7.
If approved, new rules would take effect July 1.
Following province wide consultations through the winter, the proposed regulation will help protect pollinators and ensure a productive agricultural sector.
It is also an important step in developing a pollinator health plan that will examine stressors that can affect pollinator health, including:
– pesticides;
– loss of habitat and nutrition;
– climate change and weather; and
– disease, pests and genetics.
Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Glen Murray said, “We heard overwhelmingly that the people of Ontario support immediate action to protect our food sources and the environment from the effects of neurotoxic neonicotinoids. The proposed regulation will contribute to reducing a major stressor on pollinators and other vulnerable species.”
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Jeff Leal said, “After extensive consultation, our government is moving forward with the next phase of our comprehensive pollinator health strategy, based on the advice of agricultural leaders. The proposed regulation released today is a balanced and practical way forward that would ensure farmers have access to treated seeds when needed.”
In the winter of 2013-14, bee deaths in Ontario reached 58 per cent. The generally accepted level by those who care for and breed bees is 15 per cent.
Bees and other insects are responsible for pollinating roughly 13% of agricultural crops in Ontario (crops worth about $897 million), and support $26 million annually in honey production.
Ontario’s food sector employs 760,000 individuals and contributes $34 billion each year to the province’s economy.
