Support for EFSA Guidance on risk assessment of pesticides on bees

Support for EFSA Guidance on risk assessment of pesticides on bees

Various associations of beekeepers are doing to reach the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment of the Government of Spain and a letter asking the Minister Isabel García Tejerina, to defend the application of the Guidelines of the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA), the new protocol for risk assessment of pesticides on bees in the EU.

BeeLife the initiative of the organization is carried out in all countries before the next meeting of the SCOFCAH (Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health), the next 20 of March.

The text of the letter, in English, which is accompanied by the corresponding references, explains:

Dear Minister / a .........

He 20 of March 2015 the Spanish delegates will participate in a meeting SCOFCAH in the EU to decide on the application or the EFSA Guidance for risk assessment of pesticides on bees. Several member states are resisting the implementation of the Guide, delaying its implementation at EU level.

AGA, Galician Apiculture Association, You want to take this decisive opportunity to explain why Spain should defend politically and scientifically EFSA guidance and prevent moderation in its application.

(1) EFSA bees Guide is currently the only scientific tool adapted to adequately enforce the EU legal framework in force.

EFSA Guide is the result of a thorough and independent scientific process developed since 2011. further, They have organized several public consultations to enrich the document, so the process was not only scientific, but also transparent and democratic. The proposed protocol is currently the only method available for evaluating risk adapted to meet the current legal framework.

Indeed, the rules (THIS) no 1107/2009 (Annex II, 3.8.3) determined as the following criteria approved:

"An active substance shall be approved, safener or synergist whether, after proper assessment of the risk, based on test guidelines agreed at Community or international level, states that the use under the proposed conditions of plant protection products containing this active substance, safener or synergist:
- will result in a negligible exposure to bees, O
- not have unacceptable chronic or acute effects for the survival and development of the colony, taking into account effects on bee larvae and the behavior of bees. "

further, the data requirements for the authorization of active substances and plant protection products are also legally defined by Commission Regulation (EU) nº 283/2013 y nº 284/2013, respectively. These requirements include: acute toxicity (oral and contact), chronic toxicity, effects on developing bees and other life stages Bee, sublethal effects (like behavioral effects and reproductive) in bees and colonies. Annexes of both regulations (point 8.3.1 of Regulation (EU) 283/2013 and paragraph 10.3 of Regulation (EU) 284/2013) specify the needs for risk assessment of pesticides and their metabolites in nectar, pollen and water, including guttation, and dust drifting in the case of seed treatment, etc.

Till the date, no other guide for assessing the risk of pesticides on bees other than that proposed by the EFSA which includes all these exposure pathways and toxicological parameters. further, EFSA Guide is the only methodology able to adequately assess the risks posed by pesticides with systemic properties. It takes into account the most important parameters when it comes to systemic pesticides and bees:

• Multiplying exposure sources: Pollinators are exposed to systemic pesticides and their metabolites through its supply (Poland, nectar, honey) drinking water (guttation water, surface water ...) and their habitat (the land where they live, the air they breathe, etc.).
• Prolonged exposure over time, increasing chronic exposure of pollinators and other living organisms.
• Effects on different stages of life depending on their biology and nutrition, as well as other traits that affect the survival and development of the colony.

(2) Tools available to facilitate the implementation of EFSA guidance

Risk assessment of pesticides on bees requires a minimum of knowledge about the biology of bees and fate of pesticides in the environment. Certainly the EFSA Guide shows a more complete picture of the potential toxicological effects of pesticides on bees. Nevertheless, as mentioned earlier, Additional information included is not an initiative of the EFSA, but it is imposed by the legal framework.

further, the approach to risk assessment and follow principles remain the same as in the past. And for the first time, EFSA has made tools available for risk assessment of pesticides on bees in order to simplify the implementation of the Guide. further, It has already organized training to risk assessors and managers and would continue to organize in the future.

In conclusion, there is no doubt about the fact that the EFSA has proposed a methodology applicable scientific basis for risk assessment of pesticides on bees. Guide proposal incorporates the criteria for approval and reporting requirements established by EU legislation. In order to ensure the safety of bees, pollinators and all of us, We urge you to support the orientation of the EFSA on bees.

We remain at your disposal for any further information. We hope to see your positive support to the European Commission on this specific issue.

Those interested in joining this campaign can contact AGA member of BeeLife in Spain. Mail: info@apiculturagalega.es