During the spring 2012 corn planting season, 230 separate incidents of bee kills were reported in Ontario (predominantly in the southwest), involving thousands of beehives at different bee yard locations.
These reports have triggered a re-evaluation of neonicotinoid insecticides by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA).
With the re-evaluation on-going, and this year’s corn planting season fast approaching, the Ontario Beekeepers Association (OBA), Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO), and Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) are working together to address the concerns of all our farmer-members in relation to this issue.
The four organizations agree there is more work to be done to clarify the relationship between neonicotinoid insecticides and the spring 2012 bee kills.
It is the goal of the organizations to ensure farmers have access to all crop protection products as they deem necessary for a successful growing season. Recognizing the important role honey bees play in pollinating crops, they are dedicated to ensuring a healthy bee population in Ontario.
The OBA, OFA, CFFO, and GFO are encouraging the continued investigation into the cause of the bee kills, and support existing and ongoing objective research into new products and technology that have the potential to reduce pesticide exposure.
The organizations are calling for an open dialogue between farmers, beekeepers, government agencies, the crop protection industry, and equipment manufacturers. Stakeholders need to work together to protect pollinators and ensure profitable growth for farmers.
For more information on the re-evaluation by PMRA can be found at: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cpsspc/pubs/pest/_fact-fiche/pollinator-protection-pollinisateurs/index-eng.php.
