Environmental Protection Agency officials say they intend to propose a pollinator rule before President Obama’s term in office ends. South Dakota beekeeper and Honey producer Richard Adee is pleased the agency intends to move forward with a plan. He says producers have been losing honey bee colonies, due in large part to pesticide use.
He says the EPA proposal would make companies specify what types of chemicals they’re using, which is important in helping address the problem of honey bee colony loss.
Adee says while the EPA is looking at January before their pollinator rule will be proposed, at least it gives honey producers hope.
Besides the proposed rule, the EPA office of pesticide programs is also developing a guidance document for pesticide makers that outlines protocols to follow when conducting pollinator risk studies for their products.
