Mexican Beekeepers Failing Due to GMO Crops Tara Dodrill - The Inquisitr
go to original February 19, 2014

'Colony Collapse Disorder' Threatens Bees, US Agriculture (Link TV)

Beekeepers in Mexico are fearful that GMO crops are killing the honeybee. A new study published by Scientific Report stated that genetically modified seeds are “bad news” for Mexican beekeepers and specifically points to GMO soybeans as a threat. Mexico is the fourth largest producer of honey in the entire world.

The presence of GMO pollen in honey makes it extremely difficult for Mexican beekeepers to export their product to Europe, where GMO laws are stringent. If honey contaminated with genetically modified pollen is not outright rejected in Europe, it has to be sold for substantially reduced rates. Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute scientists have found that soybean crops were the source of GMO pollen in honey produced in the Yucatan. The study went on to reveal that the belief that self-pollinating soy flowers are never visited by honeybees is incorrect.

Senior researcher David Roubik had this to say about GMO soybeans and honeybees:

“Bee colonies act as extremely sensitive environmental indicators. Bees from a single colony may gather nectar and pollen resources from flowers in a 200-square-kilometer area. With an economy based on subsistence agriculture associated with honey production, the social implications of this shift in the status of honey are likely to be contentious and have profound implications for beekeeping in general.”

Read the rest at The Inquisitr

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