Beekeeping organizations have appealed approval of the new pesticide Sulfoxaflor

The challenge was filed with the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals by the National Pollinator Defense Fund, American Honey Producers Association, National Honey Bee Advisory Board, the American Beekeeping Federation, and three individual beekeepers. In a prepared statement, Seattle-based Earthjustice attorney Janette Brimmer said the EPA has "failed" hard-pressed beekeepers. "The effects will be devastating to our nation's food supply and also to the beekeeping industry, which is struggling because of toxic pesticides," she said. "This lawsuit against the EPA is attempt by the beekeepers to save their suffering industry." In a news release, the groups note that Sulfoxaflor is sub-class of "neonicotinoid" pesticides, which some scientists believe is a potential factor in colony collapse disorder, the mysterious ailment that has wiped out hives globally. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in May approved Sulfoxaflor for use on multiple food and fiber crops and other plants. Crops on which the pesticide may be used include barley, wheat, strawberries, cotton, canola, nuts, beans and grass grown for seed.

Source: Oregon Live, 8 July 2013
http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2013/07/beekeeping_grou…