Pesticides dangerous to bees
Ukraine uses three times less pesticides per hectare than in Poland and more than five times less than in Western Europe – says the Polish Chamber of Honey association, which includes, among others, member of the Polish-Turkiss Business Club.
Honey bees are exposed to pesticides in a variety of ways. While collecting nectar and pollen from flowers, they may come across plants that have been sprayed with pesticides. In addition, plant protection products can pollute the water used by bees. Finally, the insects themselves may be directly exposed to chemicals, which may affect their health, fitness and ability to produce honey. Research shows that pesticides can also affect bees' reproductive behavior, reducing their ability to breed. This, in turn, leads to a decline in the population of these insects, which is a serious problem for agriculture and ecosystems. Bees are a key element in the pollination of plants, which has a direct impact on food production and biodiversity.
In Poland, in 2021, an average of 2.32 kg of pesticides were used per 1 ha of crops
The presence of pesticides in honey is a problem that requires attention from farmers, beekeepers and consumers alike. According to data from FAO, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, in Poland in 2021, an average of 2.32 kg of pesticides was used per 1 ha of crops. In Western European countries, even more of them were used – in 2021 it was 4.16 kg of pesticides/ha. In the same year, across our eastern border, in Ukraine, an average of only 0.8 kg of pesticides per hectare was used, which is three times less than in Poland and more than five times less than in Western Europe.
Honey quality tests
Over the last ten years, research on the presence of pesticides in honey has been regularly conducted by both international and domestic scientists. The results of these studies indicate that trace amounts of pesticides in honey are common and occur all over the world. However, it is worth reassuring consumers that their concentration does not exceed the permissible standards set by the European Union, which are very strict. This means that consuming honey does not pose any health risks.
– It is worth noting that due to the ubiquitous use of chemicals, in addition to insects, the beekeepers themselves are also the most harmed, as they have no influence on the agricultural landscape surrounding them. However, we notice that Polish beekeepers are increasingly concerned about harmonious coexistence with farmers who cultivate their fields, says Przemysław Rujna, secretary general of the Polish Chamber of Honey. It is also worth emphasizing that producers associated in the Polish Chamber of Honey are the largest entities purchasing Polish honey directly from beekeepers, and we introduced pesticide control some time ago. Thanks to this, products on store shelves are free from this type of contamination – adds Przemysław Rujna.
The Polish Chamber of Honey emphasizes that honey produced by producers associated in the Polish Chamber of Honey undergoes detailed and advanced sanitary inspections and quality tests conducted by certified auditors. This applies not only to domestic honey purchased from Polish beekeepers, but also to imported honey, which is tested before crossing the border and again in the country – in laboratories specially designed for this purpose. The same procedure is used for domestic honey purchased in large quantities. During the research, the following are checked, among others: whether honey does not contain prohibited substances – including pesticides.
