GFO advises members to impose legal conditions on beekeepers

from Ontario Beekeepers Association

In a recent letter to members, the chair of the Grain Farmers of Ontario, reacting to new regulations to limit the use of neonicotinoid seed treatments, indicated that his members will likely resort to foliar sprays that are even more toxic to bees. The letter also warned, “such applications may be more harmful to bees than the seed-based treatment that has been banned,” and encouraged members to require legal waivers from beekeepers, implying that beekeepers are taking legal action against farmers. OBA knows of no such legal actions on the part of beekeepers and considers GFO’s actions to be a wrongheaded tactic to bring pressure to the government.

Beekeepers and farmers have always gotten along. We’re farmers, too. We are not opposed to the judicious use of pesticides within an IPM program. We use pesticides, ourselves, to control insects in our hives.

We know that GFO’s position does not reflect the voice or actions of the majority of Ontario’s farmers, but if you are experiencing problems as a result of GFO’s strong-arm tactics, please let us know.

On another note: Take a look at OBA’s submission to the Provincial, Federal, Territorial Agricultural Stakeholder consultation: Protecting Pollinators, Rebuilding Public Trust.