The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing preliminary ecological and human health risk assessments for these neonicotinoid insecticides — clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and dinotefuran — and a preliminary ecological risk assessment for imidacloprid, assessing risks to birds, mammals, non-target insects, and plants. Read more
Read More »A long battle to hold the EPA accountable for protecting endangered species is colliding with Trump politics. Read more
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The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) in a new lawsuit is seeking to vacate dozens of EPA pesticide registrations, arguing that the agency violated the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in approving the products containing certain neonicotinoids without consulting with federal wildlife officials on potential risks to endangered species. The suit,[…]
Read More »Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. made an unusual move last year when the company announced it would remove a class of insecticides linked to bee deaths from its Ortho brand of home and garden products by 2021. Read more
Read More »In 2016, U.S. farmers paid $354 million for pollination services. USDA says producers of almonds alone accounted for 80 percent of that amount, more than $280 million. Read more
Read More »During 2016, honeybee colonies on April 1, July 1 and Oct. 1 were 6,000, 8,000 and 7,000, respectively, and April 1 were 8,500. Read more
Read More »The number of U.S. honeybees, a critical component to agricultural production, rose in 2017 from a year earlier, and deaths of the insects attributed to a mysterious malady that’s affected hives in North America and Europe declined, according a U.S. Department of Agriculture honeybee health survey released. Read more
Read More »Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) wants to include a ban on pesticides linked to declining bee health in next year’s farm bill, one of several initiatives he is pushing in the legislation to reauthorize agriculture and nutrition programs. Read more
Read More »USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has officially announced the availability of a final environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact and will concurrently issue a permit for the field release of a genetically engineered DBM. Read more
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A California federal court has backed some of environmentalists’ claims that the EPA violated the law in approving products linked to bee deaths. A U.S. district judge granted summary judgment to environmental advocates on two out of six claims in motions brought by beekeepers and pesticide reform groups against the[…]
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