I trust you all had a good Easter. I assume, however, that like me you were thwarted in your attempts to find the first signs of spring. Chiffchaff anyone?
So for spring cheer, I suggest you read the Environmental Audit Committee report on ‘Pollinators and Pesticides’ which was published this morning. You can find it here – and it’s well worth a read.
This inquiry delved into the controversies surrounding neonicotinoid insecticides, their importance in farming and their possible impacts on pollinators. The MPs on the committee have concluded that not enough is being done to mitigate the risks. Among other things they recommend a moratorium on the use of the three main neonics on crops that are attractive to bees, and an immediate ban on using these chemical in amateur gardening products.
The RSPB welcomes this report and we support the Committee’s conclusions and recommendations (you can see what I've been saying on the issue here). This has been a comprehensive inquiry, during which a wide range of stakeholders and evidence was consulted.
The EAC also recommends that Defra should do more work on the recently-published UK pesticides National Action Plan. This is, I think, an extremely important point. We agree with the EAC that the reduction of pesticide use through integrated pest management approaches should be at the heart of UK policies on pesticides. So, we join with the EAC in calling for clear objectives, timetables, measures and targets designed to promote more sustainable pest management in the UK.
Obviously, we also fully support the EAC’s recommendations for a moratorium on the use of neonicotinoids on crops attractive to bees, and for an end to the use of these chemicals in products marketed for gardening and amenity use.
This report comes at a critical moment in the debate on neonicotinoid pesticides. The European Commission has proposed a moratorium on the use of certain neonicotinoids on crops that attract pollinators. EU Member States will vote on whether to implement this proposal at the end of this month. The UK government abstained from an earlier vote on this matter, saying it was awaiting the results of field trials. These results have now been published, but the RSPB along with many other commentators has serious reservations about the quality of this research. These concerns are echoed by the EAC, who describe the field trials as “fundamentally flawed” and “not a compelling basis for inaction.”
The UK’s position will be important in determining the outcome of the European vote on neonicotinoids. Our government therefore has a significant decision to make in the coming weeks, which could have far-reaching consequences for the health of Europe’s wildlife. I would urge Ministers to heed the evidence and vote in favour of the moratorium on neonicotinoids. It would be great to think that the publication of the EAC’s report will mark a turning point in UK pesticide policy, and the beginning of a more sustainable approach to pest control in the UK.
What do you think of the EAC report?
It would be great to hear your views.
Peter - the RSPB Head of Science is participating in a global review of the science and we hope this will be completed in the summer. There is a growing body of evidence and we believe that this study will provide a vital synthesis to help guide policy but also future research priorities as well. I was unaware of the Waitrose policy and will proceed with the contacts we have.
I wonder if you "back track" on these comments? Waitrose has requested that neo nics are no longer used by its suppliers. This is a huge opportunity for some good science; it needs a base line immediately and monitoring. I would also hope that variable field margins could be incorporated of no, 2m and 5metres, Can RSPB assist here ? Urgent please.
Sooty - yes we could ban products that use neonics or limit their use to particular times of year. The European pesticide approval process obviously affects the whole of the EU, but individual Member States could choose to put in place their own restrictions.
Can we ban it independently or do we have to go along with Europe if they decide no ban.
I fully support the views expressed in the EAC's report and those of the RSPB. As usual the Government seems to be "draging its feet", yet again on a serious environmental issue. (How often does this happen? Answer- Time and time again e.g. marine conservation zones et al.). If they don't want to completly stop the use of neonicotinoids then surely the answer is to stop there use over certain suitable large trial areas and see whether the bee population increases as a result. If it does then QED. However I doubt the Government will have the forethought to take that action.