I've been reading how *they* believe insecticides are what might be killing off the bees. Farmers use them, and while I do appreciate that (I refuse to buy organic), there must be a way to make it so that it's not harmful to all insects. We put man on the moon, I'm sure they can figure this one out.

Just curious, Debby . . . why do you refuse to buy organic?

I'm with Debby......we also refuse to buy organic.
Organic produce is easily twice or more as much as non-organic, and there is NO regulation to ensure that they are pesticide-free.

An organic farm could be beside a farm spraying chemicals and the spray could carry over to the organic farm. What's to prevent that?

There's been a lot of talk and speculation about the use of neo being used on our canola and other farm fields. Our beehives and bee population is dying in droves.
Bayer who manufactures the chemical says that it is safe, when used correctly. Who really knows???

It's almost impossible to buy untreated seeds, to plant.

But without bees, we won't be eating.

Are you saying there are no regulations in Canada, Jasdip? We have an organic certification program in the US. The USDA states:

USDA has strengthened its oversight of organic products, using methods such as inspections and residue testing to ensure the integrity of organic products from farm to market. We've created a level playing field by developing clear standards, investigating consumer complaints, and taking action against farmers and businesses that violate the law.

The whole deal is linked below.

Here is a link that might be useful: USDA Certified Organic

I stand corrected, Susan. In 2009 Canada did adopt regulation regarding labelling Organic. It has to be 95% organic to be labelled such.

But there isn't a lot of testing to find out if this is actually so.

"In response to the organic industryâÂÂs growth, Canada enacted a labelling requirement: Since 2009, products making an organic claim must be certified by an agency accredited by the Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Not included in that process, however, is mandatory laboratory testing of products that could ensure organic-labelled food is actually farmed without pesticides, leaving the organics industry in the hands of the honour system."

Here is an article

Here is a link that might be useful: One view of organic labelling

I lost six of my twelve hives of bees over the winter, not sure from what yet. They looked healthy last fall. As a side note, haven't seen any bumblebees since early April. Not one.

Another vote from Canada ~~ NO to any organic labelled products, whether farmed, manufactured from organic material, etc.

The 'honour system' eh? Okay. Whatever, just not for me. Anyhow, don't have $$ to waste on somebody else's definition of "organic".

Nod - here, WA coast, we've still had tons of bumblebees, many are almost hummingbird sized. Laughable as they bumble along in the garden. I have a 100' stretch of cotoneaster in full bloom right now just loaded with bees, honey and bumble both.

I am careful of them, for however much that helps. I rarely find reason to use a pesticide and I haven't treated a plant in bloom in many years, keeping flowers off limits to anything chemical.

As with everything, the laws are nothing without teeth, which translates into money. I often wonder if there is pesticide on my organic veggies and fruits--I buy some organic, if the price is close enough. Prices on such produce has dropped in the preceding years as more and more people ask for it. But again, who knows how "pure" it really is?

The bumblebees are at my house, they are so territorial. It is interesting to see their aggressiveness as they defend their territory.

We have been members of a CSA (community supported agriculture) farm for many years. Lisa is certified (inspected every year) organic. We get our produce each Tuesday. When she has berries and such, they come to us in plastic baskets and she will take them back and reuse them. However, if they aren't her's, she will refuse them.
There are some small farms who sell at the Farmers Markets in town who are not Certified organic, but they do grow things in an organic manner. That's not a big difference, but it is. They don't have to pay someone to be certified every year. Lisa has about 20 acres under cultivation and she is almost anal about what her neighbors can do to with whatever they are growing. It helps to have them as part of her customer base. She grows lots of things in her hoop house, so that we have been getting fresh lettuce for several weeks now; whereas my lettuce (in the ground) is just now getting to a point of having a decent amount to pick. I planted some from last autumn - didn't happen this time because of the brutal winter; but I planted as early as I dared this spring and they are just now becoming ready.

Organic can be good, from a supermarket - no thanks; but from Lisa - yes.

I have lots of flowers in my gardens that the bees and butterflies enjoy. I used to have several hummingbirds, but their count has dwindled for unknown reasons. I keep the bees happy with lots of flowers and they do their thing in my vegetable garden.

Lots of bees here....also bumble bees. We have a problem with bees crossing with African killer bees. Was walking in the wood last winter and saw where there had been a hive in a hollow tree. The tree was dead and had fallen, and the bees were gone. You could see where skunks or other animals had scratched out the honey combs. My husband and I (and our dog) were attacked by killer bees a couple of years ago. We are very fortunate that we weren't killed because we were stung many, many times as we tried to make it back to the house. The swarm even followed us into the house and as we ran from room to room. Fortunately we had a mosquito fogger in the back room and we were able to fight them back. Our goat and several chickens had run in the house with us. The dog ran away, and we finally found her the next day and she was nearly dead, but the vet was able to save her. However, that has not given me a fear of bees....I know that "tame" bees won't attack like that, but I am very careful now when I walk in the woods because I don't want to walk up on any "wild" bees. We have some trees in bloom right now, and the bees are all over them. I am always glad to see them. On a completely unrelated note, I don't bother wasps or yellow jackets either. Haven't seen any hornets around.

Oh no, that would have never even occurred to me! I thought we were doing great with our chemical-free garden, but since several of the plants came from Lowe's I guess I was wrong. I just don't understand why these corporations would risk the entire food supply, if the bees and other pollinators disappear it will affect everyone, including those who caused it in the first place.

Yeah, I was going to hit Home Depot for some plants before I read this. :-(

Marilyn, that is a thoroughly frightening story!!