Brussels, 16/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission may propose a ban on the use of certain pesticides after worrying conclusions were presented on Wednesday16 January by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on the lethal impact of three neonicotinoid insecticides on bees.
The report published by EFSA follows a request by the European Commission to verify the impact of certain neonicotinoid insecticides found in grains and seeds. For several years, the environmental impact of these products on has been the cause of concern. Over the years, scientific studies have helped prove that so-called systemic or neonicotinoid pesticides do indeed have a lethal impact on bees and disorientate them to the point that some of them are unable to find their way back to their hives. Over the past 15 years bee mortality rates have increased from 5 to 30%.
Frédéric Vincent, the spokesman for Tonio Borg, the European commissioner for health and consumer affairs said that “the European Commission welcomes this EFSA report, whilst emphasising that there are a lot of shortcomings in the scientific data analysed. Nonetheless, the conclusions are clear and worrying enough with regard to the impact that these products can have on the nectar, pollen and 'guttation' (fluids produced by treated plants)”.
This week, the Commission will write to the companies, the German Bayer group and the Swiss company Syngenta, which produce pesticides containing the three incriminated neonicotinoids (clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam), particularly Cruiser OSR. Vincent said that the Commission would request these companies to provide a response to this report. The two groups have “until 25 January to respond to the EFSA report”. The European Commission has also decided to include the subject on agenda of the EU standing committee meeting responsible for these matters, planned for 31 January. Borg spokesperson concluded that “it is quite obvious for us that if the report in question and the studies that follow it demonstrate that there is a problem with these products, the European Commission and member states, will take appropriate measures”.
The European Commission intends to introduce European-wide code of conduct guidelines and is prepared to introduce a ban on the incriminated products if this proves necessary.
National measures already taken
Member states have already introduced measures at national level. Thus, on 29 July, France withdrew marketing authorisation for Cruiser OSR used in rapeseed processing. The use of this product in maize is being contested but at this stage it has not been permanently banned. Italy and Germany are only banning the use of the suspect pesticides for maize, whilst the Netherlands is banning it for plants that attract bees and Slovenia is banning it for all plants.
Bayer's response
Apiculturists have already succeeded in getting the withdrawal of Regent and Gaucho (Bayer). The manufacturers, however, are highlighting the economic impact of withdrawing their pesticides. In a press release, Bayer stated that “the company is prepared to co-operate with the European Commission and the EU member states and to work out pragmatic solutions to tackle shortcomings in the data provided by EFSA”. The company's agri-chemicals division, Bayer CropScience, highlighted the plethora of data gathered by the group and which had been examined by the EU and member states, confirming that its products did not present any unacceptable risk. The group added that “we are convinced that the new EFSA conclusions do not change the quality and validity of this risk assessment”. According to the latter, research has demonstrated that several factors explain the declining bee population and the main reason can be explained by the acaridan parasite Varroa species. The company claims that “Bayer CropScience is committed to a responsible use of neonicotinoids” and is investing in a programme to reduce their affect on bees.
EFSA recommendation
EFSA assessed three kinds of exposure (from plants to bees): 1) pollen and nectar (to bees). Only uses on crops not attractive to honey bees were considered acceptable; 2) exposure from dust. A risk to honey bees was indicated or could not be excluded, with some exceptions, such as use on sugar beet and crops planted in glasshouses, and for the use of some granules; 3) guttation. The only risk assessment that could be completed was for maize treated with thiamethoxam. In this case, field studies show an acute effect on honey bees exposed to the substance through guttation fluid. EFSA sources informed EUROPE that “the conclusions are not complete but we can say that neonicotinoids (clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) present a risk to the bee population”. In other words, according to EFSA, these substances do not definitely provoke bee mortality but they do have an impact on the ability of bees to fly (those seeking pollen and nectar and returning to hives). (LC/transl.fl)