We would like to respond to the many articles in the media recently regarding the use of pesticides and their interaction with honeybees. While most media to date has been bringing a clear message that nothing is being done or not enough is being done, we would like to commend a few stakeholders on recent announcements.
Health Canada has released a notice of intent seeking input from the various stakeholders, including the beekeeping industry, as well as already placing some requirements for the 2014 seeding season. I believe this is a very positive action.
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DuPont has announced a neonicotinoid-free seed option for corn and soybean seed — but only in Canada. Once again, we believe this is a positive action by the seed-pesticide industry.
Bayer CropScience has introduced a new class of chemistry as an alternative to imidacloprid. The active ingredient is flupyradifurone. It is marketed as a “bee-friendly” product with no bloom (application) restrictions. It will be registered in 2015.
As well, Bayer is working on an alternative lubricant. The new Bayer fluency agent — made of a polyethylene wax substrate — was shown to significantly decrease dust and emissions during laboratory testing.
Bayer has been actively involved in finding solutions to improve honeybee health for more than 25 years. Its Bee Care Program includes initiatives designed to further bee health research, engagement and discussion and bring Bayer’s extensive experience and knowledge in bee health under one platform.
There seems to be good progress being made on reducing the risk and exposure of possibly harmful chemicals to bees.
As a lot of the public is being told nothing is being done, we would beg to differ. Thanks to a combined effort from the Canadian Honey Council (the national beekeepers’ trade organization) along with other stakeholders, and the effort to have meaningful discussion, it would seem progress is being made.
The Alberta Beekeepers Commission would like to thank these organizations for the efforts to have a sustainable beekeeping industry in today’s ever-changing agricultural climate.
