Canada’s federal pesticide agency and Bayer collaborated to undermine research by Dr. Christy Morrissey, whose data supported a ban on harmful neonicotinoid pesticides that affect human health and biodiversity.
Marc Fawcett-Atkinson reports for the National Observer.
In short:
- Dr. Morrissey’s research found high levels of harmful neonicotinoid pesticides in Canadian wetlands.
- Bayer replicated her work using selective data, leading to a regulatory decision that allowed continued pesticide use.
- The federal agency excluded key findings from Morrissey's research, using industry-backed data to justify reversing the ban.
Key quote:
"Clearly, it got bad — to the point where decisions were being made that are not scientific at all and industry was being allowed to hide under the guise of proprietary information."
— Christy Morrissey, ecologist, University of Saskatchewan.
Why this matters:
Pesticide regulations influenced by industry weaken efforts to protect public health and biodiversity. Continued pesticide use has widespread ecological impacts, especially on pollinators and water ecosystems.
Related: Op-ed: If Bayer really wanted to stand with farmers, it would stop selling them toxics
