Beekeepers question Health Canada neonics study

The PMRA releases report on imidacloprid

from the Ontario Beekeepers’ Association

In a coordinated effort, the US Environmental Protection Agency and Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency produced a preliminary risk assessment for the neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid. According to the EPA release their results show imidacloprid “poses potential risk to hives when the pesticide comes in contact with certain crops that attract pollinators”.

The PMRA report, however, refuting its own earlier warnings, indicates residue levels specific to seed treatment levels “did not result in notable effects on bees”.

In our initial reading we have noticed a number of inconsistencies in the PMRA report that contradict the overwhelming amount of scientific evidence supporting the moratorium of neonicotinoids in Europe and the decision by the Government of Ontario to reduce the use of neonicotinoids on corn and soy by 80% by 2017.

Ontario beekeepers question PMRA’s methodologies and assumptions on the dosage and effects on bee health. There are also a number of caveats spread throughout the report that call into question the current use of neonicotinoids on corn and soy, “Based on the available colony tunnel studies alone, potential long-term sublethal effects that may result from chronic exposure due to seed treatment is not fully addressed.”

To address these inconsistencies, the OBA has convened a panel of scientific experts to review and comment on the PMRA report. Their commentary is expected by the end of the month.

The Ontario government plans to maintain its regulations governing the sale and farmers’ use of neonicotinoid pesticides which took effect July 1, 2015.