Bee concerns pose threat to OSR viability
A recent survey for Bayer of UK growers representing 15,000ha of OSR showed 87% felt a neonicotinoid ban here would adversely affect them, 86% felt crop establishment would suffer, 79% expected yields to fall, 90% would use more foliar sprays, 72% expected environmental implications, and 84% said they would have to spend more on pest control. Almost half (47%) said they would reconsider OSR cropping.
Yes, I know it was a Bayer survey but it is food for thought all the same. Part of a well informed piece in Farmers Weekly. Make OSR establish less well and require more sprays and farmers may think that its not worth the bother. Beekeepers would lose a valuable nectar and pollen source.
