Saving the workers - bees.

In seeking to understand the decision to ban the use of neonicotinoid pesticides within the European Union, it is instructive to consider the arguments for and against. The pressure to make this decision has been gradually mounting over the last few months as fears for the dwindling bee population have been growing.

Although there is no solid evidence for the detrimental effect of these pesticides on the bee population, the circumstantial evidence is compelling. Those who oppose this ban point to the ever increasing consumer demand for a higher output of cleaner produce. At a time when our country continues to throw away as much food as it consumes, it is difficult to endorse this argument. Surely the solution should be to restrict the amount of food which can be thrown away. Perhaps a new approach is needed. For too long, our thinking seems to have been underpinned by the concept that if you can afford it, you can purchase as much food as you like. Putting aside the vulgar amount of waste which is thus generated, it is surely the time to start to consider not ourselves, but the land which supports us. It seems logical and entirely reasonable to me that we should be seeking to support the land to the same degree as it supports us.

The bees have of course been here far longer than we have and have thus far proved a resilient and productive species. Aside from their production of honey which we like so much, it is their capacity to pollinate huge areas of crops which makes them so valuable. As the saying goes, when they are gone, they are gone. Ergo, why not seek to protect a species which is so integral to our future needs? The areas covered by bees are truly astonishing which renders the concept of organic honey one of the biggest marketing cons of all time. It is also worth noting that we have been growing crops for thousands of years before the need for pesticides was first espoused. Clearly, pharmaceutical companies have a huge vested interest in promoting such products. It is the prerogative of the rest of us to oppose them. For what must be a singularly unique occasion, I therefore congratulate the European Union on one of the most sensible policies ever proposed. Would it be too much to expect more of the same?

It was interesting though to note that of the countries who opposed the ban, ours led the pack. The pesticide contains a derivative chemical of nicotine which is well documented to harm us with respect to our nervous system. In common with many other countries, we have seen fit to ban cigarettes in public places. Could we not apply the same principle to farming and seek to save the bee population from a drug which has contributed to so many deaths in our own population? Doubtless the bees would be telling our government to buzz off on this one!