Bees: EU to ban pesticide for two years

A vote has been held over the EU banning neonicotinoid pesticides

By Nicole Hamer |

13:08 30 April 2013

Politicians in Europe have opted for a ban of two years on a certain pesticide during a vote. This is because the pesticide is said to have been associated with bee deaths.

 

The vote came after much debate over the cause of the drop in bee numbers. Now, after 15 out of 27 states called for the ban, the European Commission will put the EU restriction in place.

 

This relates to not using three neonicotinoid pesticides on crops bees favour. Based on reports, a number of scientific studies stated there was a link between the pesticides and a decrease in bees.

 

Tonio Borg, of the European Commission, said: “I pledge to do my utmost to ensure that our bees, which are so vital to our ecosystem and contribute over €22bn annually to European agriculture, are protected.”

 

Reportedly, it is expected the ban will come into effect by the end of 2013.

 

Britain was one of the countries who went against the vote, with four abstaining from it.

 

The UK said there could be more scientific information on this, and also that producing food could be an area that may be affected. Britain cannot be excluded from the ban however.

 

Bees are known to pollinate crops, as well as produce honey and beeswax. They have similar markings to wasps which is another flying insect.