Einstein is popularly quoted as saying that if bees disappear, humans will follow shortly after.  Considering the vast numbers of trees and plants that exist that need pollination to produce their fruits and seeds, this is not an exaggeration.

Unfortunately, in this country special interests dominate much of the decision making and usually, there is a direct relationship between the size of the organization and its influence.  In Europe, they have displayed some impartiality to the special interests of big-agra, and many countries of Europe had banned GMOs, rGBH (a GMO growth hormone used to increase the production of milk in cows) and now the latest –  Stepping up to the bat in protecting bees, the EU has called for the restriction of pesticides that are harmful to bees.

While our own government agencies such as the USDA and EPA have not called for a ban or restriction on pesticides, each of us can still do our part to reduce their use in this country.  Find alternative ways to handle pests, encourage beneficial insects,  make habitats more acceptable for birds who can eat their weight in insects, and buy organic produce to encourage more and more farmers to join the pesticide-free lifestyle.

The full article is here on the BBC.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21277933