-----Original Message-----
From: Laurel Hopwood <[log in to unmask]>
To: CONS-SPST-BIOTECH-FORUM <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Fri, Mar 13, 2015 4:45 pm
Subject: Bees victory in pesticide battle - Bayer libel action dismissed


  
What a way to start the weekend !!!!!!!!!!!! 
  
  
 
  
http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_round_up/2790530/bees_victory_  in_pesticide_battle_bayer_libel_action_dismissed.html 
  
  Bees victory in pesticide battle - Bayer libel action dismissed  
 (edited) 
  
  
 
  
  Chemical giant Bayer has failed in its attempt to sue Friends of the Earth Germany (BUND) over its claims that its pesticide Thiacloprid harms bees. Now pressure is growing on the EU to add the neonicotinoid to the three already banned. 
  
  
 
  
  A judge in Dusseldorf has ruled that BUND had a right to voice its concerns about Bayer's 'Calypso' and 'Lizetan' pesticide formulations, sold to consumers as "not toxic to bees". Both contain the neonicotinoid Thiacloprid which is associated with harm to bees. 
  
  
 
  
  BUND's pesticide expert Tomas Brückmann said "This is a victory for the bees." 
  
  
 
  
  Just before last Christmas Bayer took out a restraining order against BUND at the District Court in Dusseldorf, preventing the group from publishing its view that the product was harmful to bees, under threat of a ¤250,000 fine or a detention of up to two years. Now that order has been overturned. 
  
  
 
  
  According to BUND, there is "scientific evidence of impaired learning ability" to bees from Thiacloprid, as well as to "the ability to communicate and pollen foraging activity of bees". It also believes that by printing a "not toxic to bees" logo on products containing Thiacloprid, following the emergence of contrary evidence, there arose "the suspicion of a deliberate deception of the consumer by Bayer." 
  
  
 A scientific paper by Professor Randolf Menzel used in evidence by BUND, says: "Sublethal doses of neonicotinoids interfere selectively with the homing flight component based on this cognitive map memory, reducing the probability of successful returns to the hive. Chronic exposure to the neonicotinoid Thiacloprid reduces the attractiveness of a feeding site and the rate of recruitment." 
  
  
 
  
  Following its legal defeat, says Brückmann, Bayer Crop Sciences should immediately withdraw the offending bee-hazardous pesticides from the market. 
  
  
 A paper published in the Journal PLOS ONE confirms that Thiacloprid, along with the neonicotinoids Imidacloprid and Clothianidin, affects bees' navigational ability and behaviour, making it harder for them to find their way back to their hives. 
  
  
 
  
  It also shows that exposure to Thiacloprid can increase the likelihood of honeybees dying if they are already infected with diseases. A further study found that the toxicity of Thiacloprid to honey bees is increased over 1,000 fold when mixed with fungicides. 
  
  
 
  
  In London, Friends of the Earth bees campaigner Dave Timms said: "Bayer has been shown up as a corporate bully, trying to silence campaigners who are standing up for bees.  
  
  
 
  
  As in Germany, Bayer's Thiacloprid products sold in the UK are described as "Bee Safe" or having "no risk to bees". These include Calypso and Biscaya. 
  
  
 
  
  Last year a group of 29 independent scientists on the Global Taskforce on Systemic Pesticides concluded that the widespread use of neonicotinoid pesticides is affecting earthworms, birds and bees and the quality of water and soils. They examined over 1,000 peer reviewed papers before reaching this conclusion. They also found that the compounds which neonicotinoids break down into are often as, or more, toxic than the active ingredients. 
  
  
 
  
Any questions, email laurel hopwood at <[log in to unmask]> 
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