The Trump administration has overturned bans on the use of pesticides linked to declining bee populations and the cultivation of genetically modified crops in US national wildlife refuges.
…
The Fish and Wildlife Service’s deputy director, Greg Sheehan, said in the memo that the blanket ban on neonicotinoid pesticides and GM crops on refuges would end, with decisions about their use being made on a case-by-case basis.
…
Full article: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45068650
You can bet the US Rifle Association had a finger in that one. Makes you want to ask Trump to define a “Wildlife Refuge” doesn’t it.
Cheers Alan
So basically the US has no wildlife refuges any more. US people also don’t have a space any more to take a healthy uncontaminated breath or eat uncontaminated food.
In exchange they have plenty of poisoned food, enough to export, and they can shoot birds.
It’s utterly sad.
Friends, I no longer have words to describe what it’s been like since I got up at 1am on 11/9/16 and saw the news. I do what larger action I can to counter damages, enjoy my little patch of nature, and try to stay brave. You have all helped with that immensely. In spite of appearances the US is filled with reasonable and kind nature lovers, and I think we will need all the help we can get to fix everything that is being broken now.
I concur with @Eva. I’m Australian but have alot of good American friends from both sides of the American political spectrum. I didn’t post the article to facilitate comments on Trump or the USA in general but just for general awareness.
Almost every thing has a place, but not everything can be properly priced…
I’m glad you posted this Alan. I know that here on the forum we stay focused on our bees, but the bigger picture is essential to look at, more than we wish.
So sad
So very true Eva and this is a step backwards by those in authority. It will erode the quality of life for everyone in time. Not only for bee keepers. So very sad. 
From article “He said genetically modified organisms helped “maximise production”, and that neonics might be required “to fulfil needed farming practices”.”
I thought the bees fulfil needed farming practices, sad that the US, once a leader in environmental causes especially California, is regressing.
I hope come November 6th that US people get off their butts and vote.
