The Green Party is calling on the Environmental Protection Authority to order neonicotinoid insecticides off retail shelves, in a bid to save bees.
A swarm of bees at a hive Photo: AFP
Even the most minute traces of neonicotinoid insecticides could harm bees, Green MP Steffan Browning said today after launching a public campaign at Parliament.
The Environmental Protection Authority should urgently reassess the use of neonicotinoids, he said, but he wanted to see sales stopped immediately.
"We do know that these things affect bees negatively," he said.
"We do know that beekeepers are losing bees, and we're here to help the beekeepers help bees pollination, and help urban gardeners, in the same breath."