What were the responses like?
‘Fellow scientists thought it was an excellent and objective report. The industry, predictably, thought it was prejudiced and subjective. Neonicotinoids represent billions in turnover. They will do everything they can to refute our arguments. Importantly, state secretary Sharon Dijksma has now said she will get the CTGB (the Board for the Authorization of Plant Protection Products and Biocides) to take a crucial look at the authorization of these products.’
Surely there is only one conclusion possible for this report: a ban?
‘We don’t say neonicotinoids should be banned. That is not our role. But the CTGB would have to come up with good arguments to carry on authorizing these substances. I don’t think that is possible.’
And in Europe?
‘The report was written by the joint Academies of Science at the behest of the EU. I was on the committee on behalf of the Netherlands. The EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority, is now drawing up recommendations for the European Commission on the basis of our report and (secret) data provided by the industry.’