by Adam Doklovic, Agribusiness and Applied Economics | Mansfield, Ohio

For the past decade the decline in honey bee population has been debated, not just between scientists and environmentalists but between the general public. Everyone has a theory and everyone has a reason for the decline. While these theories have been scientifically tested there is still a debate on going about what to do about the decline in bee population. But that debate is for another day because I am going to talk about a recent story I read on why common sense can help our bee population.

In late October, Dorcester County in South Carolina sprayed Naled insecticide for mosquitoes that vector the Zika virus, even though there were no confirmed reports of Zika in South Carolina. Instead of the normal spray trucks that spray for mosquitoes, they decided to use airplanes to cover more ground. They sprayed an insecticide that kills mosquitoes instantly, however the insecticide also kills honey bees. A lot of the bee farmers in the area did not know about this and were not aware they needed to cover their hives to prevent this instant death.

Later that day the bee farmers went out to check out their hives and were surprised to see most of their bees were dead. It was estimated that over 2.5 million honey bees died that day. The farmers were angered not about the income they lost by not being able to sell their honey in the fall but the amount of their bees that died with an already declining population.

Honey bees are crucial to our environment and common sense tells us that we need to be more aware of other factors that can be detrimental the honey bee population.

Source
Washington Post > ‘Like it’s been nuked’: Millions of bees dead after South Carolina sprays for Zika mosquitoes

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This blog post was an assignment for Societal Issues: Pesticides, Alternatives and the Environment (PLNTPTH 4597). The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the class, Department of Plant Pathology or the instructor.

by Grace Dannemiller, Agribusiness and Applied Economics major

What is a GMO?

A GMO is a Genetically Modified Organism. This means that is where genetic material from one species is put in another organism such as a plant or animal. The ingredients can be found in corn, soybean, cotton and other products.

Should GMO Ingredient products be labeled?

-When it comes to labeling there are very different feels on the subject.  The people who support GMOs say that it will increase cost, affect profits, and make GMO products fight for space on shelves.

-On the other hand, consumers that are Anti-GMO say they want to know what’s in their food, they have not being proven safe, and consumers should be able to make their own choices. I personally think that labeling of these products could lead to an eradication of GMO foods just like it is in Europe.

What are the current laws being implemented?

-A bill was passed in congress and signed by the President this summer concerning GMO Labeling. The bill requires labeling of foods that have been genetically modified in the DNA and also where the modification could not be done though conventional breeding.

-This means for producers that they are required to label their foods if they meet the above requirements with a QR code or simple text on the package. I think this is a good middle of labeling the foods for health conscientious consumers and producers.

For more information on the topic please feel free to visit the following websites:

civileats.com > Congress Passed a New GMO Labeling Bill. How Will it Work?

Center for Food Safety > About Genetically Modified Foods

My name is Grace Dannemiller and I am a Junior at The Ohio State University majoring in Agribusiness and Applied Economics. I am currently interested in pursing a career in Agriculture sales and marketing.

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This blog post was an assignment for Societal Issues: Pesticides, Alternatives and the Environment (PLNTPTH 4597). The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the class, Department of Plant Pathology or the instructor.