Bayer revises position to propose extra protections for bees from pesticides

The pharmaceutical giant had initially accused the EPA of overstimating the impact of pesticide on pollinators but now admits report is 'scientifically sound'

Pharmaceutical giant Bayer has said it has put forward proposals for extra protections for bees after initially accusing the Environmental Protection Agency of overestimating the harm caused to the vital pollinators by a widely used pesticide.

A preliminary risk assessment released by the EPA last week found that that imidacloprid, one of the world's most common pesticides, can cause honeybee populations to fall in some circumstances.