Heart FM Rewind

6:00pm - Midnight

519-537-1047

STEVE WINWOOD

HIGHER LOVE

Download

Listen Live Listen Live HD2

Farmers Not Impressed With Neonicotinoid Ban

Wednesday, 10 June 2015 13:00

Local farmers are speaking out against the ban on a category of pesticides known as neonicotinoids.

Beekeepers are thrilled and local farmers are upset over the new regulations on a class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids, which are toxic to bees.

Close to 100% of Ontario's corn seeds and about 60% of soybean seeds are treated with neonicotinoids, figures the province wants to reduce by 80% in just two years. Under the new guidelines for 2016 farmers will be able to use the pesticide-treated seeds on up to 50% of their corn and soybean crops, but must prove they have a pest problem before using any additional neonicotinoids.

Local farmer Everet Veldhuizen tells Heart FM this is going to impact the farmers' bottom line. "It was a very valuable tool to have and there will be stands now that will mean replanting and a lot less yields, big economic losses on some farms and some fields." He says, "This was a tool we used to mitigate risk and with that taken away it's another thing out of our control and on certain farms it will be devastating to the crop. Little bit disappointed and discouraged at the way our government is handling this. I think if farmers thought they were killing the bees we would voluntarily scrap this neonicotinoids, but we feel it's very unscientifically based and it seems to be very targeted to not help farmers I guess. So we are pretty disappointed with our minister of agriculture and the ministry as a whole for sure."

Starting in the 2017 planting season, farmers must complete a pest assessment report to prove they need the neonicotinoids before any use will be allowed.

More from Local News

3rd Annual Running with the Bulls Shines

It was another successful Running with the Bulls in Tillsonburg, as 457 runners helped raise funds for the Kindred Foundation.
Mischief in Tillsonburg is Under Investigation

The Oxford OPP are looking to identify the suspect responsible for a case of mischief that took place in Tillsonburg.
Upgrades Completed for Woodstock Disc Golf Course

The newly renovated disc golf course at Pittock Conservation Area can range from a par 60 to a par 61.
OPP Enforcement for Civic Holiday Weekend

OPP officers will be on the lookout for distracted drivers, impaired drivers, speedsters, and those who are not wearing a seatbelt.
Woodstock Candidate Profile - Anthony Scalisi

Anthony Scalisi is looking to become the next Mayor of Woodstock.
Drug Trafficking Investigation Leads to Charges

A pair of search warrants were executed in Norfolk County, leading to charges against one suspect.
EZT Candidate Profile - Don Chowan

There is a second candidate in the running for the Ward 3 council seat in East Zorra-Tavistock.
Oxford County Requesting Public Input

Both of the online surveys will close on August 31st.
Norwich Man Charged in Brant County

Impaired driving charges have been laid against a Norwich man after Brant County OPP responded to a collision.
SPWH Wants You to Know Drinking Risks

People might not know the risks associated with drinking, and Southwestern Public Health is encouraging them to learn.
Charges Laid after Truck Hits Bridge

The Oxford OPP laid charges after a transport truck hit a bridge in Zorra Township.
Ingersoll Candidate Profile - Mike Tucker

A candidate has come forward and put their name on the ballot for the Deputy Mayor seat in Ingersoll.
Motorcyclist Killed in Oxford Collision

A motorcyclist was pronounced deceased following a collision with a commercial motor vehicle this morning in South-West Oxford Township.
Tip Tuesday with the Oxford OPP - July 2026

Constable Randi Crawford called the Heart FM studio for the July edition of Tip Tuesday this morning.
Health Units Shining a Light on Food Insecurity

Southwestern Public Health is joining forces with other health units to shine a light on food insecurity in local households.
Oxford OPP Briefs - July 28th, 2026

Two people have been charged in two separate impaired driving related incidents.
Cat Thrown from Vehicle in Norfolk County

Police say someone threw a cat out of a moving pickup truck in the Frogmore area Friday afternoon.
Environment Canada Issues Yellow Watch for Thunderstorms

Heavy rain and intense thunderstorms are possible for Oxford County, prompting Environment Canada to issue a Yellow Watch.
Oxford Mosquito Traps Tests Positive for West Nile

Southwestern Public Health has found West Nile in Oxford County.
Woodstock Candidate Profile - Sandeep Sidhu

A local business owner has put his name forward to try to secure a seat on Woodstock City Council.

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.

Display Name *

Location *

Email Address *

Comment *

Rating *

1

2

3

4

5

I have read and agreed to the privacy policy and terms & conditions *

Weather

Recently Played

HIGHER LOVE
STEVE WINWOOD
I WANT YOU
SAVAGE GARDEN
ECHO BEACH
MARTHA & THE MUFFINS
BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE
TALKING HEADS