News • Sustainable Farming Campaign
Friends of the Earth have announced banned bee pesticide back in business
The government recently decided to allow UK farmers to use bee-harming pesticides in their fields. Neonicotinoids, which have been banned in the EU since 2013 and have been linked to serious harm in the bee population, can now be used for rapeseed fields in certain areas of the country this autumn.
While the use of neonicotinoid treated seeds is limited to certain areas and crops, the situation is worrying due to the secretive decision-making process and proven harm to bees, as Friends of the Earth has reported. Paul de Zylva, from the FoE bee campaign, stated
"It’s scandalous that the Government has caved in to NFU pressure and given permission for some farmers to use banned pesticides that have been shown to harm our precious bees.
Ever more scientific evidence shows just how dangerous these chemicals are to bees and other pollinators - they should have no place in our fields and gardens."
To read more on the latest updates, check out The Guardian’s recent article on the process and FoE’s response, or join the Friends of the Earth petition movement to tweet Environment Secretary @trussliz to come clean on the science.
Published Thursday 30 July 2015
Sustainable Farming Campaign: Sustain encourages integration of sustainable food and farming into local, regional and national government policies.
