Impacts of the Eu Neonicotinoids Restriction: A Case Study from the Czech Republic

In 2013, the European Commission restricted the use of the neonicotinoids clothianidin, thiamethoxam and imidacloprid on flowering outdoor crops. Despite the vast impact of this ban, its effects have not been reviewed. One year into the reform, this study investigates the effects of the neonicotinoid regulation on pesticide use and the biological control market in the Czech Republic. When comparing pesticide consumption for the past 7 years, the market shares of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam did not decrease significantly and thus the ban did not entirely remove the market for the pesticide manufacturers. The overall pesticide consumption decreased following the implementation of the ban, however this has probably more to do with the good health status of the crops in the year 2014. The ban of neonicotinoids did not increase the market share of biopesticides. Neonicotinoids remain popular on non-flowering or indoor crops. It is suggested that the use of neonicotinoids on non-flowering crops can still contaminate nectar and pollen bees collect. It is, therefore, unclear whether the regulation actually managed to decrease bee exposure to neonicotinoids. The results are discussed further in relation to bee health.