Ag ministry works with industry to address bee issue

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

by SUSAN MANN

The provincial agriculture ministry is working with seed trade and grain farmer groups to inform producers about their options for planting non-insecticide treated corn and soybean seeds next spring, says Premier and Agriculture Minister Kathleen Wynne.

She made the comments after meeting with the Bee Health Working Group Sept. 25 and getting an update on the group’s work. In a prepared statement, Wynne says she asked the group to provide ongoing advice in time for spring planting next year.

Ontario continues to address broader bee health matters, including those related to neonicotinoids, through a range of other options, she adds.

The Ontario Beekeepers’ Association has asked for a ban on neonicotinoids in time for next year’s spring planting.

Mark Cripps, Wynne’s agriculture ministry spokesperson, says only the federal government can decide to implement a ban “because they’re the regulator of pesticides.” Ontario can’t ban pesticides on its own, and it can’t implement a ban only in its own province.

Ontario applauds the work the federal government has done so far on neonicotinoids through Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency and is “encouraging them to come out with a national strategy or a national decision,” he adds. BF