Neonic changes not fast enough for Cookstown honey producer
Ontario farmers learned Monday the Ministry of the Environment is proposing to reduce neonicotinoid (neonics) pesticide use 80 per cent by 2017.
The cutback isn’t coming fast enough for Dickey Bee Honey Inc. owner Peter Dickey.
“It’s just very unfortunate that it is going to take so much longer,” Dickey said Monday from his business near near Cookstown.
The proposed rules will protect bees, birds, butterflies and other pollinators by reducing the number of acres planted with neonicotinoid-treated corn and soybean seeds, states a ministry media release.
“Some neonicotinoid insecticides are toxic to bees and other beneficial insects. The government is taking a precautionary approach to limit the use of neonicotinoid treated seeds,” the province said.
Cookstown-area farmer John Morrison foresees liability issues.
The proposed regulation sets rules for the sale and use of neonicotinoid-treated corn and soybean seeds.
“There is a huge liability if a seed guy comes along and says to a farmer ‘you don’t need it’ and then he gets an infestation of chafers or something that decimates his crops. Who’s going to be liable for that?” Morrison said.
Questioning why the province chose an 80-per-cent reduction, Morrison said it’s not based on science and is “a figure out of the air.”
Provincewide consultations took place this winter and the ministry said the proposed regulation will help protect pollinators and ensure a productive agricultural sector.
The draft regulation is available for public comment until May 7. If approved, the new rules would take effect July 1.
When the reduction is in place, Dickey expects a drop in spring bee deaths.
“We get a lot of dust from the (spring) planting. The neonics is coming off the corn seed and it’s blowing around, so we shouldn’t see that,” he said.
Dickey added: the impact from neonics could persist two to five years after the reduction because it will still be in the soil.
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