The European Commission will restrict the use of pesticides linked to bee deaths by researchers, despite a split among EU states on the issue.
Excerpts:
There is great concern across Europe about the collapse of bee populations.
Neonicotinoid chemicals in pesticides are believed to harm bees and the European Commission says they should be restricted to crops not attractive to bees and other pollinators.
But many farmers and crop experts argue that there is insufficient data.
Fifteen countries voted in favour of a ban – not enough to form a qualified majority. According to EU rules the Commission will now impose a two-year restriction on neonicotinoids – and the UK cannot opt out.
There have been a number of studies showing that the chemicals, made by Bayer and Syngenta, do have negative impacts on bees.
One study suggested that neonicotinoids affected the abilities of hives to produce queen bees. More recent research indicated that the pesticides damaged their brains.
The Commission says it wants the moratorium to begin no later than 1 July this year.
Read the Full Article Here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22335520