The pesticide in question, Yates Confidor, belongs to the neonicotinoid group of pesticides -- which are often referred to as "neonics" for short. Woolworths joins the Australian hardware company, Bunnings, in pulling Confidor off the shelves. Concerns about the health of the world's bee populations seem to be growing slowly but surely -- although, those who are taking action against Big Ag are sure to be lambasted for daring to challenge the narrative that all pesticides and GMOs are "harmless."
Evidence shows neonics harm honeybees
Woolworths' announcement regarding the sale of Confidor comes after a number of international studies have shown that neonics are harmful to our beloved bees. A spokesperson for the grocery chain reportedly commented, "We can confirm that we’ll cease the sale of Confidor in Woolworths supermarkets and we’re currently working with the supplier around this decision."
"We expect the product will no longer be on our shelves from the end of June this year," they noted.
While there are still other harmful pesticides, herbicides and other agrochemicals out there to watch out for, this is surely one step in the right direction.
Even a study by the EPA ultimately concluded that neonic pesticides can -- and do -- have hazardous effects on honeybees. Indeed, a 2016 risk assessment survey led by EPA scientists found that when traces of neonicotinoids are found in the nectar bees bring back to their hives, trouble may soon follow. In their assessment, the EPA reportedly noted "there's a significant effect," which leads to fewer bees, less honey and an overall weaker hive.
In 2017, another study confirmed that neonics are killing off bees indiscriminately, at least in part by disrupting the health of the hive. As Natural News writer Michelle Simmons reported, this study was "the most extensive to date, measured 2,000 hectares across the United Kingdom, Germany, and Hungary and was set up to establish the impacts of the pesticides." The team found that neonic exposure impaired hive survival over the course of the winter. Exposure to these hazardous chemicals also reduced the number of queens being born; queen bees are known for their primary role in the hive.
Study leader Professor Richard Pywell reportedly told the BBC, "We’ve shown for the first time negative effects of neonicotinoid-coated seed dressings on honey bees and we’ve also shown similar negative effects on wild bees."
Manufacturers deny science to protect profits
While those who manufacture these chemical weapons maintain their innocence, the truth is out there -- even if they are unwilling to concede to it.
Yates, the company that sells Confidor, maintains that in spite of the growing scientific evidence, their product is innocent. Bayer, a company that also sells neonics, struck back against the EPA's 2016 findings as well. As is typical for a profit-driven industry that cares little for environmental well-being, Bayer contended that the EPA study "appears to overestimate the potential for harmful exposures in certain crops."
Pesticides are designed to kill insects. Bees are insects; is it really that hard to believe that pesticides can and do kill them, along with the "target" species? [Related: Read more stories about the dangers of agrochemicals at Pesticides.news.]
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