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The Neonicotinoid View: Casualties of the Neonicotinoid War

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The Organic View

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There has been a huge debate over the impact of Neonicotinoids, which are a class of systemic pesticides with a common mode of action that affects the central nervous system of insects, causing paralysis and death. Neonicotinoids are often applied as seed treatments which means coating the seeds before planting. They also generate billions of dollars for the agro-chemical companies that manufacture these chemicals and are available not only for agricultural applications but also can be found in a myriad of garden products available all over the world.

As the peer-reviewed, independent scientific evidence mounts from reputable scientists around the world that these chemicals are the cause of global honey bee decline, the industry still claims that they are not to blame. In fact, industry is now shifting the blame on the beekeepers insinuating that beekeepers who have been managing hives for generations are at fault.

The industry argues that without these systemic pesticides, agriculture will suffer, resulting in crop failure. Perhaps what should be considered is the number of commercial beekeeping operations that have been operating for generations which will be forced to close due to exposure from Neonicotinoid pesticides.

In this special series called "The Neonicotinoid View", host, June Stoyer and special guest co-host, Tom Theobald will be joined by New York State commercial beekeeper, Jim Doan to discuss his recent decision to sell his farm after losing his bees to Neonicotinoid exposure. At one point during his tenure, Jim grew his business to manage up to 5300 hives and just a few short years later was reduced to nothing due to a never-ending war against Neonicotinoid exposure. If you would like to hear Jim's heart-breaking story, stay tuned!

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