WITH the timely EU moratorium on the neonicotinoid pesticides for two years starting at the end of this year, it is very bad that the Government opposed the ban.

To see why I quote from a leading bee researcher.

Prof David Goulson, professor of biological sciences at the University of Sussex, says: “There is no evidence that the withdrawal of these compounds will have significant negative impacts on farming. It is high time we returned to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – an approach focused on minimising pesticide use, maximising the number of biological control agents, using cultural controls such as crop rotations, and monitoring pest numbers so that chemical controls only need be applied when there is a problem.

“Instead, neonicotinoids are applied prophylactically, much like taking antibiotics to avoid getting ill – and this use on crops such as wheat will continue after the partial ban. This is a recipe for environmental damage and the evolution of resistance in pests.”

With the new organic treatments for the bee mite varroa now available, this has been a good week for bees. Also predatory mites that kill the varroa are now on sale.

Expect fierce argument for the next two years!

Chris Clayton, Hempland Drive, York.