Neonicotinoids are highly toxic insecticides identified as a leading factor in Colony Collapse Disorder in bee populations around the world, with devastating impacts on honey production and agriculture.
These chemicals affect the entire ecosystem and food chain by killing the major pollinators (birds, bees and bats) as well as being highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates. They are extremely persistent, remaining toxic decades after use; as an environmental threat, they have been called ‘the new DDT’. About 90 percent of the amounts applied are dispersed into the environment and become airborne or dissolve in water. They leach into the soil where they kill earthworms and soil micro-organisms.
Neonicotinoids pose a long-term threat to Jamaica’s natural environment and an immediate threat to bee populations and the island's bee-keeping industry.
Please click on Petition (beside Overview), to see what we are asking for!
Dear Mr. Ramsay,
The concerned bee-keepers of Jamaica are calling on the Jamaican government to suspend or ban the use of neonicotinoids and related chemicals in Jamaica.
Most neonicotinoids have now been suspended in 15 European countries based on compelling evidence that they cause Bee Colony Collapse Disorder, yet these pesticides have been approved for use in Jamaica. Moreover, they are being actively promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. With the projected increase in corn production, the use of neonicotinoid-treated seeds is anticipated.
We are convinced that neonicotinoids pose a long-term threat to Jamaica’s natural environment and an immediate threat to bee populations and our bee-keeping industry. Alternative pest management strategies must be employed that do not pose such high environmental risks.
We are asking the Pesticides Control Authority of Jamaica to:
1. Review and re-evaluate the status and risks of neonicotinoids and the use of chemically-treated and/or genetically modified seeds in Jamaica.
2. Investigate the findings of the European Food Safety Authority that neonicotinoids pose an unacceptably high risk to bees, and that claims of these products’ safety are based on flawed, industry-sponsored studies.
3. As a precautionary measure, immediately suspend the use of neonicotinoid insecticides in Jamaica, namely products containing Thiamethoxam, Imidacloprid or Clothianidin, while their potential impacts are thoroughly investigated.
We look forward to your support as we strive to protect our environment and livelihoods. Thank you.
