Leading conservation charity, the Scottish Wildlife Trust is welcoming new stringent guidance published by the EU which sets out new rules for assessing the risks of pesticides on honeybees, bumblebees and solitary bees.

 For the first time, the harm that pesticides may cause bees due to chronic or repeated exposure or the potential risks posed to bee larvae must be included in the risk assessment before pesticides can be approved.

Head of Policy and Planning at Scottish Wildlife Trust, Dr. Maggie Keegan, said: “The Scottish Wildlife Trust is pleased that these measures are being introduced on the back of the neonicotinoid ban imposed by the EU.

“These strict tests to assess the risks derived from pesticides should help readdress the balance of nature in the countryside.

“Up until now, toxic chemicals have been used across the agricultural landscape, which have had a devastating effect on non-target species such as honey bees, bumblebees, and other wild pollinators. 

“We welcome the new risk assessment rules and see it as positive step to help get the ‘buzz’ back into our countryside.

“Pollinators are vital for crop and soft fruit production in Scotland and are worth about £43 million per annum to Scotland’s economy.” 

To read the new European Food Safety Authority Policy click here.