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Worrying research about pesticides

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rosequartz Sat 05-Jul-14 23:05:50

Thanks both of you. Keep alert and keep us up-to-date.

Really, what is that numpty man doing in that job? Has he bought a pair of wellies yet and does he even know what bees do?

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MiniMouse Sat 05-Jul-14 22:32:14

Well, it was Eloethan who started this thread, so I hope I haven't been poaching!

Life seems to be nothing else but signing petitions these days! One thing to be thankful to technology for - the speed at which 'mere mortals' like us get to find out about things before they become fait accomplis and can make our voices heard!

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Aka Sat 05-Jul-14 19:44:02

Thanks Mini and thank goodness the likes of that dreadful man Owen Paterson and Syngenta didn't get their way.

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nightowl Sat 05-Jul-14 19:32:27

Thanks for posting that MiniMouse. We still need to keep up the pressure for next year.

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MiniMouse Sat 05-Jul-14 18:41:51

For those who are interested - 38degrees succeeded in their petition to ban the use of neonicotinoids.

Below is the info I received in an email from them:

"Yesterday Syngenta withdrew their controversial application to allow their banned bee-killer pesticides back on UK fields.

Owen Paterson, the environment minister, sided with Syngenta. But the decision was deemed so toxic that it was brought all the way up to the Prime Minister and his cabinet to discuss.

The day before the big meeting, the huge people-powered petition signed by over 200,000 of us was delivered to the PM’s desk. And on the morning of the meeting, hundreds of us swarmed on Downing St to confront the ministers as they arrived. "

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Eloethan Sun 29-Jun-14 12:37:48

The Guardian recently reported on new research conducted by an international team of scientists regarding the widespread and routine use of neonicotinoids. The research not only highlights the damaging effect on the environment of this class of pesticide but also the "striking" lack of evidence that its use leads to increased crop yields.

A scientist is quoted as saying "The evidence is very clear. We are witnessing a threat to the productivity of our natural and farmed environment equivalent to that posed by organophosphates or DDT". The report warns of the loss of worms, which aerate the soil, pollinators, such as bees, and of dragonflies which eat mosquitos. Some studies showed that ditchwater has become so contaminated that it could be used as a lice-control pesticide.

The Crop Protection Association's (which represents pesticide manufacturers) Chief Executive's response was "It is a selective review of existing studies ... does not represent a robust assessment of the safety of systemic pesticides under realistic conditions of use". As Mandy Rice-Davies said "Well, he would say that wouldn't he."

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