The Alberta Beekeepers Commission will not join the
class-action lawsuit filed against neonicitinoids marketed by Bayer Crop
Science and Syngenta.
The lawsuit was filed by Munro Honey and Sun Parlour Honey
and is being promoted by the Ontario Beekeepers Association.
However, because about 45 per cent of Canada’s honey is from
Alberta, it’s unlikely that national class-action lawsuit status will be
granted.
The Alberta Beekeepers Commission says it prefers working
with the makers of seed-treatment neonicinitoids to find a suitable solution.
It issued a statement saying it “believes the agrochemical
industry recognizes the value of honeybees and other pollinators.
“We believe that working together with appropriate research
, management and education of all stakeholders will ensure that modern
agriculture and honeybees can coexist.”
Albertans say the pesticides used before the introduction of
neonicitinoids were more damaging to bees.
Most honeybee researchers say the collapse of colonies can
be caused by a number of stresses sometimes working in combination.
Among the stresses are weather conditions, mites, diseases
and reduction in unfarmed acreage.
