The provincial government in Ontario will try to “meaningfully reduce” the use of neonicotinoid pesticides in 2015, says Premier Kathleen Wynne, according to Country Guide, Canada’s oldest farm publication. The so-called neonics are blamed in part for the deep decline in honeybee populations.The Varroa mite and other pests as well as harsh weather have been cited as causes too.
Wynne also told provincial ministers to find a way to reduce the use of seeds treated with neonics for the 2016 growing season. The bee winterkill rate in Ontario was 58 percent, according to a report this summer. A farm group cautioned against precipitate action and said there were “early indications” that voluntary efforts were having an effect.
U.S. environmentalists have argued for restrictions on neonics. Chemical and seed company Syngenta has petitioned EPA to increase the legal tolerance for neonics in several crops, said Environment & Energy Publishing. The comment period closes on Oct 6. Syngenta wants permission for one of its neonics to be used as a leaf spray, where risk to pollinators would be lower than if the pesticide is used as a seed treatment, said E&E.