BEYOND PESTICIDES’ Post

A new review from researchers at Clemson University reiterates that the herbicide paraquat has profound adverse effects on wildlife at environmentally relevant concentrations. Moreover, these effects span beyond the wilderness, as exposure to this highly toxic herbicide also impacts the health of people working with paraquat (e.g., pesticide applicators) or living adjacent to areas of chemical use. Paraquat is the most acutely dangerous herbicide on the market. In addition to its high acute toxicity, it also presents a range of chronic concerns, including cancer, damage to the reproductive system and organs such as the liver, neurotoxic effects and, most notably, Parkinson’s disease (PD). As the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) admits, “One small sip [of paraquat] can be fatal, and there is no antidote.” All this occurs amid documented threats to biodiversity from the combined effects of pesticides and climate change. Click here for more information from BEYOND PESTICIDES' PIDD database on the dangers of paraquat: https://ow.ly/aWE450QgraW Daily News Blog Post: https://ow.ly/7qjS50Qgrbh

Pesticides are a major problem for health and biodiversity. In February the European Commission dropped their proposal for the pesticide reduction law #SUR. But doing nothing is not an option. 125 farmers and beekeepers organizations, trade unions and environmental groups sent a joint statement. They condemn the failure of the EU to address the #pesticides problem. Backtracking on environmental ambition does not help farmers. It will only further lock farming in unsustainable practices that impact farmers’ health and destroy biodiversity. Pesticides destroy the ecosystems on which our food production depends. #SaveBeesAndFarmers #PesticidesFreeEU https://lnkd.in/ev8JyFk4

🌍 Nature is in crisis, and pesticides play a significant role here. Professor Dave Goulson's article sheds light on the overdue UK action plan for sustainable pesticide use, and underlines the urgent need for action to protect biodiversity. 🌱 Goulson touches upon the importance of integrated pest management (IPM), a 'biology-first' approach to the management of pests and diseases. It views pesticides as an absolute last resort, instead promoting environmentally-friendly practices like #biocontrol - a subject we are helping build awareness of, on behalf of the IBMA - International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association. Read more the full article: https://lnkd.in/dDrn74iy #Biocontrol #PesticideReform

When you have a lot of money to lobby and make sure the harmful facts are hidden, you can keep on selling pesticide that is contributing to kill us all. It doesn't matter if the water can't be drank due to pollution or if animals die due to pesticides , you just need to change the levels to which it is acceptible. Everyone seems happy. It's the #biodiversity paradox. The Commission wants to preserve biodiversity while making sure it will all disappear. European Commission to renew approval of herbicide glyphosate for 10 years https://jrnl.ie/6224354

Although it may seem logical to assume that chemicals shown to be toxic in the lab will have similar effects in the field, we know that where chemicals end up and persist in the environment varies and that the impact on bees can differ depending on numerous social and ecological factors. Despite having among the most stringent pesticide regulatory processes in the world, our study showed that the EU is failing to protect the organisms these chemicals are not supposed to target, like bees. A possible solution is to change the way pesticides are used in agriculture altogether and lessen the demand on farmers to use them.  Some initiatives coming from the COP28, including a US$17 billion fund to develop methods of farming that are resilient to climate change and less reliant on chemicals. One of the largest initiatives, with partners including The Nature Conservancy, Google, and the Brazilian state of Para, would encourage regenerative farming practices, such as reduced tillage and lower pesticide use. #scienceandenvironment #europeanunion #pesticides #sustainableagriculture #regenerativeagriculture #bumblebee #climatechangesolutions

Less good days for #eugreendeal, as today the #EP rejected reduction of pesticides. Like millions of people's and animal's life counted for nothing in regard to food production if #EU is serious about environment and biodiversity, health and healthy soils, how come this happen ? it was just reducing pesticides by 50% #PesticideFreeEU Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP)

Balancing Crop Protection and Environmental Safety The UK government, in a significant move, has conditionally approved the use of a neonicotinoid pesticide for the 2024 sugar beet crop in England. This decision, taken under exceptional circumstances, reflects a delicate balance between the need to protect vital crops and the commitment to environmental preservation. #AgriculturalProductivityandSustainability #ConditionalPesticideApproval #CropVirusIncidencePrediction #EmergencyPesticideAuthorization #EnvironmentalSafetyMeasures #GovernmentsFoodProductionStrategy #IntegratedPestManagement #NeonicotinoidPesticideUse #SugarBeetCropProtection #SustainableFarmingIncentiveScheme

Bioreactors have proven to be successful in significantly reducing toxic run-off into waterways. Researchers at Southern Cross University have found evidence that “microbial communities” in woodchip bioreactors can effectively degrade pesticides used in intensive horticulture before they enter waterways. However, some highly water-soluble pesticides may still get through. A bioreactor is a vessel that allows biological reactions to take place. It creates an environment conducive to the types of microbes that are capable of degrading pesticides. In new research, published by the Environmental Pollution journal, a Southern Cross University team tested a woodchip bioreactor originally built to mitigate nutrient run-off from fertiliser into the Solitary Islands Marine Park off the Coffs Coast in NSW. Lead researcher Professor Kirsten Benkendorff and her team from the University’s National Marine Science Centre found this same bioreactor could reduce the number and amount of pesticides escaping into the environment. “When these toxic chemicals enter our waterways, they can cause harm to non-target organisms, including seafood like prawns, crabs and oysters,” Professor Benkendorff said. “Exposure to pesticide residues also has potential implications for human health.” Pesticides seeping out of intensive horticulture into waterways have long-concerned NSW north coast communities. Professor Benkendorff said two insecticides and nine fungicides were present in soil samples below the greenhouses that housed the bioreactors. Read more of the story: https://lnkd.in/gBHq4agG #environment #research #newsreel

Recent research reveals widespread contamination of soils and vegetation with pesticides beyond agricultural land, prompting urgent calls for action to mitigate environmental and health risks. How can governments and regulatory bodies adapt current pesticide assessment and authorisation procedures to account for the real-world impact of pesticide mixtures on ecosystems and human health, especially considering advancements in analytical methods and the pervasive spread of pesticides beyond agricultural areas? https://lnkd.in/dgjCkZXR

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