PMRA releases figures on bee kill reports related to corn planting

PMRA has released two charts related to bee incident report since 2012. The charts came with no analysis or background, but is intended to compare the unique number of Ontario yards reported at planted as well as for the post planting season for the past few years. In 2014 there was a 70% drop in incidents at planting time, but unfortunately a 70% increase in the post planting period (figure 2). This would indicate that the new planting procedures and equipment combined with beekeepers removing their hives temporarily for safety or pollination is working in the immediate planting cycle, but that the longer term effect is worsening. The reported figures for 2015 do not consider the post-planting period, rendering the comparison ineffective. See the charts here.

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