Local beekeeper Jim Coneybeare is critical of the findings of a bee health working group even after he sat as a member of the group which met to discuss mass bee colony deaths in this area and across the province.
The group was established by Premier Kathleen Wynne late last year to look into why bee populations are dying off.
Beekeepers blamed the deaths on the use of pesticides known as neonicotinoids (neonics) being spread on corn and soybean crops during seeding and called for a moratorium.
Coneybeare, owner and operator of Coneybeare Honey located north of Fergus, criticized the group for not considering a ban on neonics in place in several European countries experiencing the mass deaths. He contends the group membership was “weighted” with only three beekeepers as members and the majority from chemical companies and supporters swaying the vote. The committee also included farm organizations, scientists and government officials.
“There has consistently been meetings held for stakeholders, but the beekeepers weren’t invited,” Coneybeare contends of ongoing information meetings held by the group. “We’re the primary stakeholders because we’re the ones who are losing our shirts.”
The bee group is calling for better management practices in the use of neonics to limit exposure. However, Coneybeare said the process may limit the amount spread, but use stronger doses of neonics. The provincial government and the group reserved judgement on a ban until more scientific evidence is available about the use of the pesticide.
“They’re going to kill us with scientific evidence because we have evidence it’s going to kill us,” Coneybeare added.
He estimates he lost $250,000 worth of business last year and is considering keeping beehives in the area for one more year before seriously considering moving out of the area. “The only option I have is to move out of the area and where I don’t know,” he said, adding he has been looking at more remote areas in northern Ontario. “We are going to see the demise of Ontario bees.”
Beekeepers have also contended neonics dust is getting into streams and waterways spreading pollutants.
University of Guelph bee specialist Dr. Ernesto Guzman, also a member of the group, declined to comment until he has time to read the report.
Wynne, in a March 19 statement, congratulated the group on its work and said the government would spend $1.2 million for further research.
“I would like to thank the Ontario Bee Health Working Group for its report, which provides options for mitigating the potential risk to honey bees from exposure to neonicotinoid seed treatments,” Wynne said. “Members of the group include beekeepers, farmers, agri-business representatives, scientists, and officials from both the federal and provincial governments. They all share a common interest in ensuring that Ontario’s agri-food sector remains strong and continues to be a leading contributor to our province’s growth and prosperity.
“I commend the group’s commitment, good faith and hard work in identifying activities that will help us protect honey bees in advance of the coming planting season. These include promoting the use of non-insecticide treated seed and encouraging the use of products and tools such as new seed lubricant and deflectors on planters to reduce the risk of pollinators being exposed to dust containing neonictinoids during planting.”
The premier announced the formation of new Ontario Polinator Health Working Group to look into issues affecting all pollinator species.
“We’ll continue to work together to find solutions to this complex issue that will support a thriving, healthy bee population that will in turn support a strong, successful agri-food sector,” the premier said.
