‘Scandalous, irrational and irresponsible’: French beekeepers’ fury at lifting of pesticides ban
French beekeepers and environmentalists are protesting the government's decision to reauthorize two banned neonicotinoid pesticides. The law allows for waivers to combat crop-ruining diseases, but critics argue it will cause severe damage to bee populations and biodiversity.
Why it matters
The conflict illustrates the ongoing tension between agricultural economic interests and environmental protection policies in the EU.
A beekeeper holds a honeycomb with dead bees on it during a 2018 demonstration in Paris over the impact of agricultural chemicals on bees. A beekeeper holds a honeycomb with dead bees on it during a 2018 demonstration in Paris over the impact of agricultural chemicals on bees. France ‘Scandalous, irrational and irresponsible’: French beekeepers’ fury at lifting of pesticides ban Allowing use of two neonicotinoids to combat crop-ruining disease will kill bees and reduce harvests, union says
Prefer the Guardian on Google Beekeepers and environmentalists in France have reacted furiously after parliament approved a bill reauthorising two banned pesticides scientists say can poison bees.
“There are no words to describe the frustration,” said Carolyn Bouguet, a beekeeper in Essonne, greater Paris. “Bee populations have already been badly compromised by climate change, new parasites and loss of habitat. And now this.”
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