A group of beekeepers in Minnesota is concerned about the effect of corn seeds treated with neonicotinoid pesticides on bees, according to MPR. They have been reported mortality events among bees at corn seeding time. The dust is coming off the seeds and poisoning honey bees. More than 1/3 of the country’s honey bee population has died every year for the last several years.
The group has also sued the EPA for not acting on the pesticides, which many think are causing massive bee die-offs in recent years. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is currently reviewing neonicotinoids for their effects on bees.
The National Honey Bee Advisory Board, which is working to try to find a solution to this problem, is conducting risk assessment around the country. But since pesticide manufacturers submit data to the EPA in secret, it’s difficult for that board to validate data. In addition, the EPA only requires pesticide manufacturers to test “active” ingredients one at a time. Some scientists think that these ingredients interact to multiply the effects of one or more of the toxic chemicals. Inert ingredients are also not tested.
Researchers believe that the pesticides weak the bees’ immune systems, and along with disease and poor nutrition, have been killing the bees in large numbers. Honey bees are required for the production of one-third of the food grown in the U.S. every year.
“manufacturers submit data to the EPA in secret”. WTF is that all about?