Subject: [permaculture] Fwd: Neonics on seeds? Bad news for bees
Date: Sat, 22 Aug 2015 10:42:20 -0400
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Pesticide Action Network North America <subscribe@panna.org>
Date: Sat, Aug 22, 2015 at 10:01 AM
Subject: Neonics on seeds? Bad news for bees
To: lflj@bellsouth.net
Federal agencies are finally doing something to help protect pollinators —
but that “something” is not nearly enough. While EPA’s latest plan narrowly
addresses use of neonicotinoids (neonics) and other bee-harming pesticides,
it entirely overlooks the most common application of these chemicals: seed
coatings.
This National Honey Bee Day, speak up for these vital pollinators!
*Tell EPA to step up »
<http://org.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=PRmC6neQW%2BiABi2mRfYmOXfRbTPPrrM7>*
Coating seed with neonics is a common practice that leads to widespread
pollinator exposure. And because neonics are systemic pesticides, they're
taken up through the seed and spread throughout all parts of a plant —
including pollen and nectar. Bad news for bees.
Each year, neonic-treated seeds are planted on about 200 million acres of
farmland in the U.S. — including almost all of the corn and more than half
of soybeans. Many other seeds, like canola, are also coated. Yet seed
treatments aren’t technically considered a “pesticide use” by EPA, so the
agency is letting it slide.
EPA’s proposed plan only addresses foliar applications (pesticides directly
sprayed on a plant) when certain plants are in bloom, and when commercial
honey bees are being used to pollinate these crops.
*Bees need real help! »
<http://org.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=ogOqp7lZLkMaKV6xhpbQnXfRbTPPrrM7>*
The science is clear: neonics are a key contributing factor to declining
pollinator populations, and seed treatments are a primary route of
exposure. Tell EPA to get in gear and take meaningful action on
neonic-treated seeds.
Thank you for keeping this issue front and center!