EU restrictions on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides represent a unique opportunity to introduce safer agro-ecological approaches to pest management

Many of the arguments deployed in opposition to these restrictions were misleading, and based upon flawed research, much of it funded by neonicotinoid manufacturers themselves. The two principal arguments against restricting neonicotinoids were that yields would suffer, and that farmers would resort to older, even more harmful chemicals. However, evidence from Italy, where neonicotinoids have been banned from use on maize since 2008, suggests the opposite. Moreover, the EU precautionary approach on neonicotinoids represents a potential turning point for acting more widely to replace highly hazardous chemical pesticides with effective and sustainable alternatives. To achieve this, collaborative effort is needed on the part of governments, industry, civil society organisations, retailers and others. The PAN UK welcomes the EU temporary suspension of three neonicotinoid pesticides as a step in the right direction in protecting bees. We believe that this presents a unique opportunity to introduce safer, ecologically informed methods of pest management. The experience in Italy has shown that is not an unrealistic aspiration. Moreover, the EU restrictions also present the possibility of a turning point more generally on the use of highly hazardous toxic pesticides, in favour of non-chemical and IPM pest control methods. What is needed now is the political will of governments around the world to take action to promote these alternatives.

Source:
Mole, Nick; Williamson, Stephanie; Lievens, Paul; Tyrell, Keith. Neonicotinoid Restrictions Present a Unique Opportunity to Introduce Safer Agro-Ecological Approaches to Pest Management. Outlooks on Pest Management, Volume 24, Number 4, August 2013 , pp. 156-159(4)