Dive Summary:
- Restrictions on the use of the neonicotinoid pesticides clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiametoxam were adopted by the European Commission in an effort to help save the continent's honeybee population.
- The restrictions were adopted in response to a European Food Safety Authority's report identifying "high acute risks" for bees due to dust and residue in several crops, and they take effect Dec. 1, 2013.
- Additionally, the European Union's strategy to combat the declining bee population includes the designation of a EU Reference Laboratory for bee health, increased co-financing for national apiculture programs, co-financing for surveillance studies in 17 voluntary Member States and research programs like BeeDoc and STEP that are investigating contributing factors.
From the article:
... “Last month, I pledged that, based on the number of risks identified by the European Food Safety Authority’s scientific opinion, I would do my utmost to ensure that our honeybee population is protected. Today’s adoption delivers on that pledge and marks another milestone towards ensuring a healthier future for our honeybees, as bees have two important roles to play: not only that of producing honey but primarily to be a pollinator. About 80 % of all pollination is due to the activity of bees—this is natural and free of costs" said Tonio Borg, commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy. ...