Comment period on bee health coming to a close

January 16, 2015
For Immediate Release

SIMCOE – Local MPP and Critic for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Toby Barrett is reminding interested parties that the comment period regarding neonicotinoid insecticide is coming to a close January 25th.

A Proposal for Enhancing Pollinator Health and Reducing the Use of Neonicotinoid Pesticides in Ontario was posted on the EBR (Environmental Registry on November 25th. Members of the public can comment on the proposal by visiting http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/displaynoticecontent.do?noticeId=MTIzOTE5&statusId=MTg2NDA3&language=en.

Barrett said, “I continue to ask why the Wynne government is reducing neonicotinoid usage by 80 per cent without conclusive evidence this will decrease bee mortality rates? I have also asked this government to develop a program of bee mortality insurance.”

The Grain Farmers of Ontario project this ban will cost them $630 million a year and have undertaken best practice methods such as reducing dust emissions from treated seed. Barrett said these practices have proven successful and he is baffled why the government would take such drastic measures rather than ensure best practice methods are in place, not only for farmers but for bee keepers as well.

 

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For more information please contact MPP Toby Barrett

at 519-428-0446, 905-765-8413 or 1-800-903-8629