Brussels, 06/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission undertook, on Monday 6 December, to take health and veterinary measures to try to check bee mortality.
Health framework. Several factors have been put forward to try to explain the decline in the bee population: bee diseases and parasites, poisoning by pesticides, the effects of genetically modified crops and stress related to changes in food and climate change. European scientists have found member states' monitoring systems, in general, to be not up to the mark. The Commission intends to launch a surveillance programme before the end of 2011. It will also designate an EU reference laboratory for bee health, which should be operational by April of next year. It will be sited at Sophia Antipolis near Antibes, France.
Bee health. The review of the EU animal health strategy should provide the legal framework for essential points, such as general definitions and principles for disease control measures and movements.
Veterinary medicines. According to beekeepers' associations, there are not enough medicines authorised for the treatment of bee diseases. A legislative proposal on veterinary medicines is scheduled for adoption in 2012.
Residue in honey. The Commission will adopt rules on maximum residue levels of substances used in the cascade system and also on defining reference values. These arrangements will make it easier to harmonise supervision of foodstuffs put on the market throughout the EU and, ultimately, to improve the clarity and security of the EU legal framework.
Pesticides. The impact that pesticides will have on bees is assessed before they are authorised and measures to lessen the risks are imposed where necessary. Further risk mitigation measures may be taken once the Commission is made aware of negative effects due to pesticide use. The Commission is currently revising data requirements with regard to submission of pesticide authorisation applications, again to enhance protection for bees.
GMOs. An increase in bee mortality has been noted throughout the world, with no difference between those areas where genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are widespread, such as in the USA, and those where they are much less commonly grown, such as in Europe, or even banned, as in some EU member states. This, then, does nothing to support the theory that the rise in bee mortality is related to increased cultivation of GM crops.
Biodiversity. The Commission is preparing a communication on the EU biodiversity strategy so that the European Union can reach the target set for 2020. It is hoped that implementation of this strategy will help bee health.
Research. In all, some €10 million have already been granted by the EU to research on bees and other pollinators.
Common Agricultural Policy. In September 2010, the Commission approved national programmes of all 27 member states to improve production and marketing of apiculture products for the 2011-2013 period. The contribution made by the EU to the funding of these programmes has risen by almost 25% compared with the previous period (2008-2010), going up from €26 million to €32 million per year. (L.C./transl.rt)