Re: Bee-ing an important part of the life cycle
Re: Caution needed when looking at neonics, East Central Trader
Calvin Daniels’ column about the state of honey bees in Canada contained misleading information that may have the unfortunate consequence of unnecessarily worrying Canadians.
Canada is fortunate in that we do not have a bee crisis. In fact, bee populations are more robust than ever. According to Statistics Canada, which has been tracking bee populations since the 1920s, the bee population in Ontario has increased by 37 per cent since 2003. Bee populations in Western Canada, where the vast majority of bee hives are located, have also continued to grow over the past decade.
While it is true that some beekeepers have experienced losses, particularly due to harsh winter conditions, such losses have been occurring for decades – long before neonicotinoid seed treatments were even on the market. To propose that eliminating neonicotinoids will somehow change this natural pattern is erroneous.
Neonicotinoid seed treatments have been successfully used by Canadian farmers for almost a decade. Because the insecticide is applied directly to the seed, the amount of product used is considerably less than what is used when farmers have to spray an entire field. As the seed is planted directly into the ground, beneficial insects, such as bees, are less exposed to the product.
The reality is that, despite the thriving bee population, there are a number of threats to bees, including parasitic mites, disease, weather, nutrition, habitat, genetic diversity and beekeeping practices.
The plant science industry not only recognizes the importance of long-term pollinator health, but depends on it. Commercial beekeepers are a major supplier to our industry and without their pollination services many of the crops our products are designed to protect would not be able to grow.
We are deeply committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders, including the Canadian Honey Council, to identify solution-focused approaches to ensure a sustainable future for agriculture and beekeeping.
Sincerely,
Pierre Petelle
