Annual sales of neonicotinoids, powerful insecticides, total in the billions. Neonicotinoids are very effective at killing pests. Unfortunately, bees are one of the insects killed. Many environmentalists blame this insecticide for “Colony Collapse Disorder,” in which a whole hive can die off in days.
The European Union yesterday banned the substance for two years, though not in the winter when bees are dormant. At the end of two years scientists will examine the data to see whether a permanent ban is warranted. To read more about the ban, go to <http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/apr/29/bees-european-neonicotinoids-ban>.
Here in the U.S., where government is sold to the highest bidder and agribusiness reigns supreme, neonicotinoids have not been banned.
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