MPs raise concern over tests on pesticides linked to bee deaths

‘MPs have raised concerns over whether two chemical companies unduly influenced an independent study into the effects of their pesticides on bees.

Syngenta of Switzerland and Bayer CropScience of Germany held discussions with the independent Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) overthe test’s design, monitoring and data analysis.

Both companies were made subject of a European Commission ban last year on neonicotinoid-based products, which are considered harmful to bees. If the ban is extended beyond 2015, it could cost them further in lost pesticide sales. Bayer reported global crop protection seed sales of £6.5 billion for 2013. For Syngenta the figure was £6.6 billion.’

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