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Are GM Crops Killing Bees?

Posted by Susan Ponsolle on 05-14-07

BeesIs the mysterous decimation of the bee populations of Germany and the United States caused by GM crops?  Or is it the result of exposure to pesticides?  Or failed immune systems?

Much has already been printed on this topic:

Spiegel Online International - A mysterious decimation of bee populations has German beekeepers worried, while a similar phenomenon in the United States is gradually assuming catastrophic proportions. The consequences for agriculture and the economy could be enormous.

The Economist - The genome of the honeybee is yielding some clues. Researchers have compared it with that of other insects, including the fruit fly and the mosquito. They have found that bees cannot make an enzyme that other insects use to help eliminate toxins from the body. This could leave bees at risk of poisoning.

SFGate.com - San Francisco Chronicle - Could genetically modified crops be killing bees?

Bees for Development - The need for organic beekeeping

PrisonPlanet.com - GM, toxic chemicals, chemtrails destroying eco-system, threatening very survival of humanity

I am not yet sure where I fall on this issue; I will wait for the scientific research before I decide.  

Please let us know what you think.

 

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Susan
Posts: 1
Comment
update on bee colonies
Reply #1 on : Tue May 15, 2007, 16:46:08
I read today that organic beekeepers are seeing fewer cases of colony collapse than conventional beekeepers.

It was suggested that many conventional beekeepers are allegedly engaging in practices which may put their colonies at greater risk of collapse:

1) Using pesticides to control Varroa mites
2) Transporting their colonies across great distances to provide pollination services

It will be interesting to watch this as it progresses. Could sticking close to what's natural be the best policy?