Do regulatory agencies suppress science? A top scientist for the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) — researching the impacts of pesticides on
bees — recently filed a whistleblower complaint alleging just that.
Dr. Jonathan Lundgren worked at USDA's Agricultural Research Service lab in
Brookings, South Dakota for 11 years. His peer-reviewed research on
neonicotinoid pesticides (neonics) and their impact on pollinators has been
widely published, and has received accolades from peers in his field.
But apparently USDA didn’t like his findings, specifically that neonic
coatings on seeds like corn and soy add little benefit to farmers — *but
cause big trouble for bees and other pollinators. *
According to Dr. Lundgren, the agency slowed his research and made it
difficult for scientists in his lab to do their jobs. He was told to stop
talking to the press about his neonic research — and when he filed a
scientific integrity complaint in 2014, the agency retaliated with
disciplinary action.
Scientific integrity is the bedrock of sound policy decisions. Red flags
about intimidation and harassment of USDA scientists should cause concern
for all of us. *It's time for the agency to clean up its act — and follow
sound science to protect bees. *
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Thank you for helping to spotlight this important issue.