One of the companies that dominates the market for neonicotinoid pesticides is criticizing today’s EPA report that claims the family of chemicals harms bees when used on certain crops.
Bayer CropScience issued a statement saying the report “appears to overestimate the potential for harmful exposures (of neonics) in certain crops, such as citrus and cotton, while ignoring the important benefits these products provide and management practices to protect bees.
“(Neonics) have been widely adopted by growers because of their favorable human and environmental safety profile,” the statement continues, “especially when compared to the older products they replaced. Neonics are critically important to today’s integrated pest management programs, allowing farmers to manage destructive pests, preserve beneficial insects and protect against insect resistance.”
Bayer makes the most common neonic, imidacloprid.