It is so frustrating that some anti-whatever zealots take advantage of a situation -- colony collapse disorder in this case -- to further a somewhat hidden agenda that they are pushing.
The tabacco-derived pesticides they are referencing can be found with several different brand labels in our equipment shed. All pesticides will kill bees if they come into direct contact with them ... DUH! they are designed to kill insects! I have used them around the property for years, and I have seven hives and two nuclear hives in my yard, that are exploding in population and healthy as all get-out. I practice totally "organic" beekeeping, which means that I do not medicate my bees at all, or use mite or beetle baits. There are actually insecticides that are placed INSIDE hives to control beetles. They look like a black plastic roach hotel. Because the bees don't come into contact with insecticide, they are not harmed.
While I have not yet read the article about Monsanto purchasing a bee research group, my first thoughts are that it is in Monsanto's best interest to do extensive research and testing on bees because they do produce agricultural chemicals. Rather than starting a 'bee department' from scratch, why not buy an existing and established research group. I may be totally wrong, but that is my first impression.
Monsanto may be many things, but they are not the monster that certain groups make them out to be. Without many of the chemicals developed and produced by Monsanto, including worm-resistant corn and weevil-proof cotton varieties, the world would be a hungrier and less-dressed place to live. Certain herbicides have advanced farming practices beyond imagination. Many don't realize how much time, equipment and fuel is saved by proper and effective use of herbicides. That makes food cheaper and more available for everyone.
Sorry, rant over.
Posh - there was absolutely nothing at all wrong with your comments.
I do realize that Monsanto has done much good, but I am also aware of problems they have caused and like to cause - they are involved in the labor dept rules about kids for example -
You are far more knowledgeable than I will ever be, it just so happened that I was reading the article at the same time your bee pictures were loading here and I had been on a rant about corporate farming yesterday! call it the perfect storm for me to go off on!
“Monsanto may be many things, but they are not the monster that certain groups make them out to be. Without many of the chemicals developed and produced by Monsanto, including worm-resistant corn and weevil-proof cotton varieties, the world would be a hungrier and less-dressed place to live”
Bump.
I am tired of the demonization of Monsanto. The left’s green movement is pushed by people who have never been poor or hungry.