French authorities this morning announced plans to ban a commonly used pesticide made by Swiss agchem giant Syngenta, over fears the preparation could have an adverse effect on bee populations.  

Although numerous factors are thought to be contributing to declines in numbers and species of bees worldwide, certain pesticides are widely thought to be contributing to losses. Although the industry claims the decline is due to disease and loss of habitat, this year alone several studies published in scientific journals have made the link between chemicals used in pesticides and seed coatings and falling bee numbers.

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Following a prolonged period of debate over the chemical in France, newly appointed agriculture minister Stephane Le Foll said the government intends to withdraw licensing for Cruiser OSR, pending a two week period during which time Syngenta is expected to submit a response.

The decision follows guidance from Anses, the French food and environment safety agency, which today stated that low doses of thiamethoxam, a neonicotinoid found in Cruiser OSR, can have harmful effects on bees; the agency recommended the European Union introduce stricter assessments for agricultural chemicals, an opinion which was also expressed yesterday by the bloc’s food safety watchdog, the EFSA.

Anses’ recommendation came following the review of a study which appeared in the April edition of the journal Science. However, Syngenta denied its preparation would have harmful effects on bees when the study was first published, claiming the doses tested were higher than real life exposure and there was no evidence the chemical led to ‘colony collapse disorder.’

The Anses scientists acknowledged this and reiterated that the decline of the bees is a multifaceted issue, but stated that exposure to the pesticide could, under some circumstances, reach the levels tested in the Science study.

Although Defra stood accused of ‘fence sitting’ when the research, which coincided with the release of other studies presenting similar findings, was first published, a department spokesperson said in the days that followed, “This is brand new research. We review the science regularly and will look carefully at the reports. If any new evidence shows the need for action we will not hesitate to act. The UK has a robust system for assessing risks from pesticides.”

The ban, which is expected to come into force over the summer, will not cover Cruiser used for maize and rapeseed spraying. The French government has asked the European Union to review its authorisation of the preparation.

There have been calls to suspend use of several neonicotinoid pesticides in the EU in recent months; environmental organisation Friends of the Earth has mounted a campaign to encourage the UK government to review its licenses of neonicotinoids.

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