The government has decided not to take action over evidence which has come to light over the past year that demonstrates essential pollinators, mostly bees and other insects, are at serious risk from exposure to agricultural chemicals.

Following a six month review of scientific evidence, precipitated by the release of two studies in March which showed concentrations of neonicotinoid pesticides found in the natural environment had disastrous effects on bee populations in field conditions, Defra has concluded that no action need be taken on the use of chemicals as “The recent studies do not justify changing existing regulation.”

The decision was reached despite an acknowledgement by the European Food Safety Authority that current safety testing procedures for such chemicals are flawed and risk assessments for the effects of their use on pollinators are inadequate.

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In response to the mounting evidence, including one of the studies released in March, which was conducted by scientists from its own agricultural research institute INRA, the French government took action over the summer and banned certain preparations which were causing particular concern. Speaking last weekend, the French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and President Francois Hollande both reiterated their intention to support moves towards more sustainable farming and steadily curb use of damaging chemicals.

However, although Defra maintains that “The Government is fully aware of the importance of bees and of the economic benefits they bring as pollinators,” the department has refused to act where other European governments have done so.

Defra dismisses science

A Defra spokesperson said Defra is supporting insect pollinators by “working in partnership with beekeeping groups on a ten year plan to protect and improve the health of honeybees in England and Wales” and “funding research on pest and disease management to help achieve a sustainable and thriving population of honey bees for pollination and honey production.” However, these measures offer no support for wild bee populations, which are in freefall, other insects or bats, which German research published this year has also shown to be in grave danger.

Furthermore, a focus on “pest and disease management,” whilst undoubtedly helpful given the many pressures facing bee populations, could be construed as selectively ignoring uncomfortable aspects of the bees’ plight, while the attention accorded to honeybees, which are kept commercially, and the economic benefits pollinators provide on Defra’s part has been criticised as deeply cynical.  

Defra suggested yesterday that “The [March] studies were interesting but they either used neonicotinoids at a higher level than is currently permitted, or the studies weren’t carried out under field conditions.  The studies did not show that currently permitted uses of neonicotinoids have serious implications for the health of bee populations.”

However, permitted or not, the levels of chemicals used in the studies were shown to be realistic doses, previously thought to be sub-lethal, and yet dramatic effects were observed. Confusingly, having dismissed the investigations, both of which were published in respected journal Science, Defra said “Further research will be carried out to fill gaps in our knowledge, including the questions raised about the relevance of the recent studies to field conditions.”  

Although the government refused to act yesterday, it did acknowledge EFSA findings suggesting bees and other insects may be at a greater risk than previously appreciated, due to flaws in EU risk assessment procedures. Defra admitted “It is appropriate to update the process for assessing the risks of pesticides to bees in the light of scientific developments.  This should include the development of a new risk assessment for bumble bees and solitary bees, alongside an updated risk assessment for honey bees.”

Conservationist groups have reacted strongly to the government’s announcement. Paul de Zylva, spokesperson for Friends of the Earth, which is currently pursuing a campaign across Europe to highlight the plight of insect pollinators, particularly bees, accused the government of caving to the desires of the agchem lobby.

He said, "The Government's failure to act on neonicotinoid pesticides is astonishing. It's clear that the Government has little idea of the damaging impact these pesticides have on bees and other pollinators - pesticide company profits must not be put ahead of their well-being.

"Ministers should follow the cautious example of countries like France and Italy and suspend these pesticides until they have been thoroughly assessed, we cannot afford any further decline in bee numbers.”

Friends of the Earth, backed by bee experts from Reading University and a Europe-wide network of scientists and campaigners in the STEP network, has called on the government to develop a ‘National Bee Action Plan,’ which would include considerations for pollinators in a range of policy areas, including planning and agriculture. Mr de Zylva called on the Prime Minister to act to “reverse the decline of these vitally important creatures.”
 

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