With regard to neonics and bee health, is the biotech industry looking with a keen and critical eye at the planting technology being used? Please see httpwww.thecropsite.comnews16074whatcorncanolacomparisonstellusaboutneonicsandbeesplentyactually. Thank you.

Expert response from Iain Kelley

Director, Regulatory Policy and Issue Management, Bayer Crop Science

Friday, 01/08/2014 10:56

The article referenced effectively highlights different potential routes of exposure of bees to neonicotinoids. Canola is an excellent source of pollen and nectar for bees and represents a potentially high neonicotinoid exposure route for bees foraging on canola grown from treated seeds. Bees foraging in such areas, however, are not showing elevated losses and thus confirm that dietary exposure to neonicotinoids is not responsible for bee loss. The potential for bees exposed to dust containing neonicotinoids from treated seeds at planting represents a short-term-exposure scenario that would be dependent on several factors, including environmental conditions, crop, planter type, etc. The area where such an effect would be likely is in U.S. corn, but, despite tens of millions of acres being treated annually, only a few transient incidents have been reported — none of which has affected long-term colony survival. Nevertheless, potential exposures can be further reduced to minimize any possible effects. This goal is being achieved through several initiatives, including improved seed coatings, the introduction of a seed lubricant that minimizes dust at planting and extensive stewardship activities to engage both growers and beekeepers in bee-protection measures. Agricultural equipment manufacturers are also engaged in developing standards for planting equipment.

Expert response from Iain Kelley

Director, Regulatory Policy and Issue Management, Bayer Crop Science

Friday, 01/08/2014 10:56

The article referenced effectively highlights different potential routes of exposure of bees to neonicotinoids. Canola is an excellent source of pollen and nectar for bees and represents a potentially high neonicotinoid exposure route for bees foraging on canola grown from treated seeds. Bees foraging in such areas, however, are not showing elevated losses and thus confirm that dietary exposure to neonicotinoids is not responsible for bee loss. The potential for bees exposed to dust containing neonicotinoids from treated seeds at planting represents a short-term-exposure scenario that would be dependent on several factors, including environmental conditions, crop, planter type, etc. The area where such an effect would be likely is in U.S. corn, but, despite tens of millions of acres being treated annually, only a few transient incidents have been reported — none of which has affected long-term colony survival. Nevertheless, potential exposures can be further reduced to minimize any possible effects. This goal is being achieved through several initiatives, including improved seed coatings, the introduction of a seed lubricant that minimizes dust at planting and extensive stewardship activities to engage both growers and beekeepers in bee-protection measures. Agricultural equipment manufacturers are also engaged in developing standards for planting equipment.