FARMERS are being warned that they could face heavy fines and compensation orders if they accidentally destroy honey bees while spraying crops with pesticides.
The Country Landowners' Association has urged producers to obey the Government code of spray safety and protect foraging bees which make a vital contribution to boosting crop growth and maintaining the general well-being of the environment. Farmers are legally required to give local beekeepers associations at least 48 hours notice before using pesticides - including both insecticides and herbicides - on their land, says the CLA, which is also calling for regular meetings between the two groups to encourage improved communications about crop spraying activities. Producers are also urged to follow requirements of the environment protection instructions on pesticide containers.
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