A pollinator-friendly agricultural model

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CONFERENCE PRESENTATION

The Greens/EFA group is fighting for a shift to more sustainable forms of agriculture which would be better for ecosystems and biodiversity and crucial for the production of good quality and healthy food. In the short term, banning pesticides to protect pollinators, essential actors in the food chain, is the most effective way to reach this goal. With the CAP reform to be finalised soon and before the entry into force of the temporary ban on certain kind of pesticides harmful to bees on 1st December, the issue of finding an agricultural model that is suitable for pollinators is very much at stake on the EU agenda. On 6th November 2013, in the framework of its Food Campaign, the Greens/EFA group is organising a public conference on 'An agricultural model good for pollinators: the way forward'. This event aims to raise awareness of the link between the existing dangers to pollinators and the current agricultural model. The first panel of this working session will give the floor to renowned academics who will address the harm caused to pollinators by the current agricultural model. The speakers will focus on the so-called '3 P's': pollen, pesticides, pathogens, which are considered to be the main causes of bees decline. European beekeepers and NGOs will lead the discussion in the second panel, highlighting proposals for improvements and how these could translate into new EU agricultural policy. Both panels will leave space open for debate with the audience on the best options possible for pollinators and our food system. PRESENTATIONS

• Jose Tarazona
• Etienne Bruneau
• Vasilis Ntouras
• Bees2Bees
• Noa Simon

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

Introduction

Martin Hausling, MEP

Panel 1: Definition of the existing problems with the current agricultural model, with focus on the 3 Ps: pollen, pesticides, pathogens

Moderation: Margrete Auken, MEP

• Frans Jacobs, Professor Emeritus Laboratories of Zoo physiology, University of Ghent.
• Jose Tarazona, Head of Pesticides Unit,  EFSA
• Bernard Vaissière, Research Officer, Bees and Environment Department INRA Avignon

Debate with the audience

Panel 2: Proposals for improvements and translation into EU agricultural policy

Moderation: Nikos Chrysogelos, MEP

• Etienne Bruneau, President of the Honey Group, COPA-COGECA.
• Beekeepers perspective
  • Vassilios Douras, President of the Board Beekeepers Association Greece
  • Bees2Bees: open-source application for beekeepers to follow-up on colony losses
• Noa Simon Delso, Scientific-technical advisor of the European Beekeeping Coordination

Debate with the audience

Conclusion:

Bart Staes, MEP