European Union bans bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticides

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The European Union (EU) governments today voted to ban the use of bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticides on outdoor crops.

The vote by the EU comes after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delayed regulatory action on most uses of neonicotinoids until 2018, despite receiving more than six million public comments urging the pesticide be banned in the U.S.

In response to the vote, Tiffany Finck-Haynes, senior food futures campaigner for Friends of the Earth issued the following statement:

“The EU’s groundbreaking ban on bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticides is a huge win for pollinators, people and the planet. Given the overwhelming body of scientific evidence and overwhelming public concern, EPA as well as leading U.S. food retailers like Kroger should take immediate action and eliminate the use of these toxic pesticides.”

For more information on Friends of the Earth’s work on neonicotinoids, please see the Swarming the Aisles II: Rating top retailers on pesticide reduction and organic food to protect pollinators.

Expert contact: Tiffany Finck-Haynes, 202-222-0715, [email protected]
Communications contact: Patrick Davis, 202-222-0744, [email protected]