The facts
Despite claims that particular types of seed treatments (neonicotinoids) are harmful to bees, there is no evidence that neonicotinoids have harmed bees in New Zealand.
Neonicotinoids have been used safely across millions of hectares of crops worldwide. Many years of independent monitoring prove that when used properly, this effective crop protection technology does not damage the health of bee populations.
Contribution to NZ economy
The ‘Economic value of neonicotinoid seed treatment to New Zealand’ report estimates that if neonicotinoid seed treatments were removed from the market, it would cost the economy between $800 million and $1.2 billion in the short to medium term. The report includes the main neonic users — arable grains, forage brassica and pasture grasses.
