ICAMA held a Workshop on Risk Analysis on Neonicotinoid Pesticides on July 1
st, 2013. The Workshop discussed the possible control measures over neonicotinoid pesticides for the purpose of further improving safety control over such pesticides.
Neonicotinoid pesticides are widely used in agricultural production across the world. However, early this year EU Commission proposed to ban three neonicotinoid pesticides, namely clothianidin,
thiamethoxam and imidacloprid, which caused wide concerns.
At the Workshop, participants made presentations on the developments, registration, use and the impact to bees of neonicotinoid pesticides, and had intensive exchanges on the research over the harm to bees in China.
Participants agreed that neonicotinoid pesticide is an important type of pesticides, and works in agricultural production. Scientific evidence shows that such pesticides do have potential safety risk to bees. However, due to the differences in the pattern of agricultural production and apiculture between China and EU countries, it was recommended to take following actions in response to the issue:
First, to strengthen monitoring on the impact of neonicotinoid pesticides to bees, and build up risk assessment models. Second, to launch a risk evaluation on the impact to bees of neonicotinoid pesticides on honey
crops and crops of indeterminate inflorescence. Third, to investigate on the manufacturing and use of neonicotinoid pesticides. Fourth, to have
technical cooperation with other countries so as to have an objective and scientific evaluation. Fifth, to prevent potential risks, such as to add some warning signs at the pesticide labels.
It is believed that pesticide evaluation requires comprehensive assessment of potential risks and performance. Any ban or restrictive measures should be evidence-based. Control policies should be realistic and applicable.
This is the first workshop in China on possible impact of pesticides to bees. Given the irreplaceable role bees play in agricultural production and the eco-environment, more attention should be given to the bees in the review for pesticide registration.
The Workshop is jointly organized by the Division of Re-evaluation of Registered Pesticides and the Division of Environmental Fate and Effect of ICAMA. Zong Fulin, Division Director of Re-evaluation of Registered Pesticides chaired the Workshop. Gu Baogen and Ye Jimin, ICAMA DDGs attended the Workshop.
Nearly 40 participants attended the Workshop, representing ICAMA, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China Agricultural University, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, China Crop Protection Industry Association, China Association of Pesticide Development & Application, some local ICAs and pesticide manufacturing enterprises. (Source: Division of Re-evaluation of Registered Pesticides, ICAMA )