Nine out of the top 10 retailers are working to prevent use, but not Homebase
Environmental campaigners have welcomed most leading garden centres’ pledge on neonicotinoids – except for Homebase. Friends of the Earth (FoE) surveyed 10 top garden retailers. They found that nine did not want the plants they sold contaminated with the three neonicotinoid pesticides restricted in the EU. They were also working with suppliers to prevent their use. The group called on Homebase, which has yet to commit to working with suppliers, to take action.
A study in 2017 found retailers were selling “bee-friendly” plants that contain high levels of insecticide. More than 70 per cent contained neonicotinoids, including the restricted ones. Research suggests neonicotinoids damage bees’ ability to forage and navigate. The EU banned three key pesticides in 2013 for use on flowering crops and ornamental plants.
B&Q has banned suppliers from using any of the nine neonicotinoid pesticides on its flowering plant range. Wyevale has said that it does not want the three restricted neonicotinoids in its garden plants.
Friends of the Earth’s petition
FotE is handing in a petition to the Government from more than 33,000 people. It wants a permanent, comprehensive ban on all neonicotinoid pesticides. The group’s bee campaigner Nick Rau said: “We’re delighted that leading garden retailers are responding to public concern. Mounting scientific evidence says ‘no’ to plants grown with bee-harming chemicals.
“We’re particularly pleased the UK’s biggest garden centre, Wyevale, has listened to the thousands of people who contacted them and has pledged to work harder to ensure the removal of restricted neonicotinoids from its supply chain. We now urge Homebase to follow suit and reject these chemicals too. People up and down the country have been creating pollinator-friendly gardens. They need to be confident that the plants they buy are not going to harm Britain’s bees.”
Garden centres’ pledge on neonicotinoids – Statement from Homebase
Homebase said: “As the science surrounding bee populations matures, we will continue to work closely with our suppliers and partners to take responsible action about ranges. We remain vigilant and continue to be guided by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs regarding the use and sale of pesticides.”
A Defra spokesman said: “We make all decisions on pesticides based on the science and they are only approved once regulators are satisfied they meet safety standards for people and the environment.”
Read more on FoE’s bee campaign.
