On October 22nd 2019 European Union governments agreed to ban the use of Bayer's neonicotinoid insecticide known as thiacloprid, securing a small victory for the bees.
After April 2020, EU farmers are no longer allowed to use the insecticide sold under the brands Calypso and Biscaya, as the current approval will expire.
bees celebrating after hearing the good news
The decision, which was approved by the majority of EU countries, was based on findings of European Food Safety Agency. Their study, published in January 2019, highlighted concerns about the active substance of thiacloprid being toxic for humans and present in too great a concentration in ground water.
The EU has prohibited the use of 3 of these so-called neonicotinoids except for greenhouses. France has already banned these and one other pesticide for use, even in greenhouses.
The new ban also applies to crops like sugarbeet
"Banning these toxic pesticides is a beacon of hope for bees," said Antonia Staats, from Avaaz.
"Finally, our governments are listening to their citizens, the scientific evidence and farmers who know that bees can't live with these chemicals and we can't live without bees."
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bees celebrating after hearing the good news
The new ban also applies to crops like sugarbeet
