The state of Oregon’s agriculture department just banned the use of the pesticides responsible for the high-profile pollinator (bumble bees) die-off two weeks ago.
For the next six months, it will be illegal to spray pesticides containing dinotefuran (the third generation of neonicotinoids) in Oregon. Proof that it is possible to take quick action after a dramatic development unfolds. In this case, the brutal death of more than 50,000 bumblebees, killed when Safari was sprayed over blooming linden trees to control aphids in a Wilsonville parking lot, and in Hillsboro. An investigation is ongoing and will help evaluate whether additional steps need to be taken.
The background context being the ongoing bee Colony Collapse Disorder, a fast acting process put in place was crucial to prevent further deaths in an already weakened bee population.
The decision was taken very quickly, and somewhat confusingly, retailers are still allowed to sell the products during the ban on use. It is just illegal for landscapers and gardeners to actually use them. The temporary ban only affects pesticide use that might harm pollinators, like bumblebees, and most of the restricted insecticides are used primarily for ornamental, not agricultural, pest control.
Check out the full article at: http://grist.org/food/oregon-bans-some-insecticides-following-bee-deaths/
Credit photo: Rich Hatfield – The Xerces Society
* Up for some thought-sharing on this topic?
This ban shows that fast action IS possible, at least at state level, and that despite a pending investigation, the precautionary principle should and did prevail. And that is quite an accomplishment!
One out of three bites of food worldwide is pollinated by honey bees and other pollinators, so it is imperative to take such tragic accidents seriously and keep working on identifying the cause(s) to the on-going Colony Collapse Disorder situation as soon as possible.
- Given the gravity of the bee situation and so many indications pointing to neonicotinoids, would you support a temporary preventative ban on pesticides in YOUR state until final conclusions are in?
Let us know…
