[ExI] EU bans neonicotinoids

[BillK]

On Wed, May 1, 2013 at 9:27 PM, spike wrote:
> Thanks Dave.  Whether or not neonics are the bad guy, this is a valuable and
> informative test.  We will be able to compare loss and recovery rates
> between Europe and the US, two countries with a similar enough climate to
> make comparison meaningful and yes I know Europe is a continent not a
> country.  But the bees don’t know the difference, especially if neonics are
> causing them to be stupid.  Let the tests begin!
>


<http://www.newsbiscuit.com/2013/05/03/subsidised-patches-to-wean-bees-off-neonicotinoids/>

Subsidised patches to wean bees off neonicotinoids

Following a Europe-wide ban on neonicotinoids, bees are to be offered
patches to help them cope with withdrawal.

The patches are part of the ‘Bee Strong’ campaign targeting worker
bees through hard-hitting adverts and hive support groups. A telephone
helpline will be advertised with the slogan ‘Give us a buzz’.

An EU spokesman said ‘We’ll be drawing on our experience of producing
road safety and smoking cessation campaigns in the human sphere.
Adverts will probably feature a dead bee. Possibly several.’

Though applauded by the Confederation of Queen Bees, the prohibition
is not expected to be welcomed across the bee world. One worker bee
said: ‘It’s the only pleasure I’ve left in life. Never did me no harm.
Show me the way to go home!…’

Other objections have been raised, notably by the farming equipment
industry, who have complained that other devices, such as placebo
crop-sprayers, were not considered for the EU subsidies. Ecologists
have spoken of nightmare scenarios around an emergent black market in
neonicotinoids and gangster bees armed with sting-guns and wearing
very small fedoras.

Neonicotinoids have been widely blamed for falling bee productivity,
but were the drug of choice amongst sections of the bee community and
said to be notable for an excellent buzz.
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BillK