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EFSA identifies risks to bees from neonicotinoids jan16,2013. Bayer and Syngenta Lobby Furiously Against EU Efforts to Limit Pesticides and Save Bees. Bee populations have been declining rapidly worldwide in recent years -- in the U.S., they have declined by almost 50 percent just since October 2012, according to The Ecologist.

Bayer and Syngenta Lobby Furiously Against EU Efforts to Limit Pesticides and Save Bees

The problem is complex, with possible culprits including certain parasites (like Varroa mites), viruses, pesticides, and industrial agriculture. But two studies published in early 2012 in the journal Science suggested a particularly strong connection between the use of a class of pesticides called neonicotinoids and the decline of both bumble bee and honeybee populations. Insecticide firms in secret bid to stop ban that could save bees. Europe is on the brink of a landmark ban on the world's most widely used insecticides, which have increasingly been linked to serious declines in bee numbers.

Insecticide firms in secret bid to stop ban that could save bees

Despite intense secret lobbying by British ministers and chemical companies against the ban, revealed in documents obtained by the Observer, a vote in Brussels on Monday is expected to lead to the suspension of the nerve agents. Bees and other insects are vital for global food production as they pollinate three-quarters of all crops. The plummeting numbers of pollinators in recent years has been blamed on disease, loss of habitat and, increasingly, the near ubiquitous use of neonicotinoid pesticides.

Majority of EU countries support partial ban of bee-killing pesticides. Bees Protection Action at Syngenta in Basel Greenpeace EU agriculture policy directorMarco Contiero said: “Today’s vote makes it crystal clear that there is overwhelming scientific, political and public support for a ban.

Majority of EU countries support partial ban of bee-killing pesticides

Those countries opposing a ban have failed. Now, the Commission must draw the only conclusion possible and immediately halt the use of these pesticides as a first step to protect European food production and ecosystems. Any further delay would mean giving in to the lobbying muscle of Bayer and Syngenta.” The three pesticides are all neonicotinoids, pesticides that are used to coat seeds before germination, added to soil or sprayed on plants.