The Neonicotinoid View: Beekeeper Steve Ellis Discusses Victory Against EPA

The Organic View

Last week, a federal court ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) systematically violated the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a key wildlife protection law, when it approved the use of neonicotinoids, a family of deadly pesticides, scientifically proven to kill bees and other pollinators. EPA had unlawfully issued 59 pesticide registrations between 2007 and 2012 for a wide variety of agricultural, landscaping and ornamental uses. Although this is a big victory, unfortunately, there still is a very long way to go. What does this mean for the future of commercial migratory beekeepers? What will this mean as far as the protection of honey bees? Stay tuned! In this segment of The Neonicotinoid View, host, June Stoyer and co-host, Colorado beekeeper Tom Theobald talk about this law suit with commercial migratory beekeeper, Steve Ellis who is a plaintiff in the case. Steve Ellis owns the Old Mill Honey Company which operates roughly 2,300 hives of bees in Minnesota for honey production and pollination for crops in California. Steve is the secretary of the National Honeybee Advisory Board (NHAB) and has been involved in pesticide issues for the past 20 years. “The Neonicotinoid View”, which is produced by The Organic View Radio Show is unique, weekly program that explores the impact of neonicotinoids on the environment. Tune in each week as host, June Stoyer and Colorado beekeeper, Tom Theobald, explore the latest research and news from the beekeeping community. Today’s show is sponsored by CoronaTools.com, the nation's leader in garden and landscape tools. Listeners of TheOrganicView can receive 20% off + free US shipping (US Domestic Customers only) their CoronaTools.com purchase by using the coupon code "orgview". (Please note that offer does NOT apply to wheelbarrows or replacement parts.) For more offers, please visit our website at www.theorganicview.com