I was just reading an article in the Kingston Whig Standard about beekeepers and Ontario’s proposed restrictions on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides. Beeks are happy and hopeful, but the corn and soybean industry is in a frothing panic.
According to a Conference Board of Canada report, paid for by the Grain Farmers of Ontario and industry group CropLife Canada, restrictions on neonics could reduce corn and soybean revenue by $630 million/year, dropping Ontario’s GDP by $440 million.
Just by going to a permit process. Funny, I have a very hard time believing that. Naturally, they’re not taking into account any increases in agricultural yield that will (hopefully) come from a healthier honeybee population. CropLife shills for the big chemical companies and clearly the Grain Farmers have drunk the Kool Aid, believing the doom and gloom that’s being spoon-fed to them.
I should draw a distinction between the Grain Farmers of Ontario and Ontario grain farmers, though. I know of a number of farmers who are very upset with the GFO over the stance they’ve taken on neonicotinoid pesticides. Unfortunately, they don’t run the organization.
Whatever happens, I’m glad that Ontario is taking a step in the right direction. It’s not a full on ban, but it’s a start.