Mandating the molecular approach is in everyone’s interest

High-resolution molecular approaches are more reliable than traditional insecticide testing practices, mainly thanks to their greater sensitivity. Using higher-sensitivity approaches that provide better insecticide risk evaluations is advantageous for chemical companies producing insecticides and for regulators. This is because:

1.
They reduce the reputational risks of implementing compounds that in fact are not safe for insect pollinators.

2.
They reduce the logistical costs of farmers regularly having to change insecticides and regulators having to regularly ban or restrict previously authorised insecticides.

3.
They reduce the commercial risks of a chemical company having to withdraw a previously authorised insecticide.

4.
They reduce the environmental and food security risk of poisoning the pollinators crucial for our crops and ecosystems.