USDA, don't suppress bee science

r1 ... PAN PAN Tell USDA to clean up its act.

Dear Paov,

Do regulatory agencies suppress science? A top scientist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) — researching the impacts of pesticides on bees — recently filed a whistleblower complaint alleging just that.

Speak up! Tell USDA that suppressing science is unacceptable. Scientific integrity is the bedrock of sound policy decisions — and that’s their job.

Dr. Jonathan Lundgren worked at USDA's Agricultural Research Service lab in Brookings, South Dakota for 11 years. His peer-reviewed research on neonicotinoid pesticides (neonics) and their impact on pollinators has been widely published, and has received accolades from peers in his field.

But apparently USDA didn’t like his findings, specifically that neonic coatings on seeds like corn and soy add little benefit to farmers — but cause big trouble for bees.

According to Dr. Lundgren, the agency slowed his research and made it difficult for the scientists in his lab to do their jobs. He was told to stop talking to the press about his neonic research — and when he filed a scientific integrity complaint in 2014, the agency retaliated with disciplinary action.

Tell USDA to follow the science, not suppress it. This is not the first time accusations of bee-related scientific censorship have come to light. Sign the petition and urge USDA to stop this pattern.

The science is clear: neonics are harmful to bees and other pollinators. And as research from Dr. Lundgren and others shows, neonic seed coatings specifically pose a serious threat to bees. USDA, take note!

Rigorous, independent science is critical for sound regulatory decisions. Red flags about intimidation and harassment of USDA scientists should cause concern for all of us. It's time for the agency to clean up its act — and follow sound science to protect bees.

Thank you for helping to spotlight this important issue.

r2

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