France is the first country in Europe to take a big, radical step in protecting the bee population. Researchers believe that the five pesticides in question are killing the insects. They also say that this is contributing to the dwindling of the bees.
On one hand, beekeepers and environmentalists welcomed the 5 pesticides ban. But, on the other hand, cereal and sugar beet farmers warn that this is not the best action for them. They say that they will be defenceless against other harmful insects in protecting valuable crops.
The EU has voted to outlaw the use of three neonicotinoids (clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam). With its action, France is going further than the EU, by also banning thiacloprid and acetamiprid. And this is banned not only outdoors, but in the greenhouses too. Read more about Honey bees Are Dropping Dead in Brazil.
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