Ban on neonicotinoids: reaction of beet and beekeeper

Ban on neonicotinoids: reaction of beet and beekeeper

[Source France 3 Regions]: Since Saturday, September 1st, 5 neonicotinoids, killer pesticides of bees, are prohibited in France. Environmental advocates welcome the news but beet growers are worried and beekeepers are not satisfied. This beet fields could soon disappear. The end of the use of some neonicotinoids leaves many farmers without effective alternatives. A decision that goes wrong. Especially since bees do not forage on these plants harvested before flowering. Alexis Hache, farmer, explains that the consequence for the crop is 12% less yields. If the decision makes sense for the cultivation of rapeseed or corn, beet growers hope to obtain, like other countries, derogations to save their sector. Alexis Hache indicates that the decision was taken without consultation on the specifics of beetroot, there is a total misunderstanding. On the beekeepers' side, the decision is welcomed. But here too, questions remain. The Asian hornets, like the parasite Varroa, would be threats at least as important as these insecticides. Guillaume Lecat explains that different factors weaken the bee combined with other factors, this causes collapses; varroa is not taken seriously. The ban on neonicotinoids, while useful, alone will not solve the mortality phenomenon. This beekeeper hopes for a global awareness and more investment in training.

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File : Cultivation of sugar beet

Publication date : 3 September 2018