2014.04 MORATORIUM ON THE USE OF NEONICOTINOID PESTICIDES ON FARM CROPS
Whereas 1 a third of our food supply relies on pollinators, particularly bees; and
Whereas 2 numerous peer-reviewed scientific studies have concluded that neonicotinoid pesticides pose a significant threat to bees and other wildlife and Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (CPMRA) has documented that extensive losses in 2012 of honey bees and other pollinators can be attributed to their use on farm crops; and
Whereas 3 neonicotinoid pesticides leach into soils, groundwater and waterways, can accumulate on clay soils and can persist for years, killing bees, and other pollinators such as aquatic insects and birds; and
Whereas 4 while farmers believe neonicotinoids bolster crop yields, there are no studies to prove that this is true over the long term and some scientific studies have proven otherwise; therefore be it
Resolved 1 that the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopt as policy that neonicotinoid pesticides not be used on farm crops; and be it further
Resolved 2 that NCWC urge the Government of Canada to place a moratorium on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides for use on farm crops.