New pesticide ban ‘to protect bees'

FARMERS in France will be banned from spraying pesticides during daylight hours to protect bees, under plans unveiled by agriculture minister Stéphane Le Foll.

Spraying is already technically banned in the early morning, but many farmers have waivers, protecting them from sanction if they ignore the regulations. The new law will prevent spraying during daylight hours and there will be no exceptions.

Mr Le Foll's announcement will delight France's beekeepers and honey producers. Last year’s honey production was just 15,000 tonnes, compared to 33,000 in 1995, and mortality rates among bee colonies have been rising, averaging between 15% and 30% per year depending on the region.

Mr Le Foll said that an inter-ministerial ban is being drafted and should be published in the Official Journal within the next three or four months.

He said: “Light is what makes the bees come out and all that is spraying in the morning has important consequences."

He said traces of pesticide left on plants and on early morning dew may disturb the bees during flowering periods of spring and summer.

“Everyone must be aware that it takes effort,” he said, adding the new ban will protect “agricultural production and at the same time to protect pollination and honey production."

Photo: John Severns