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Ontario beekeepers launch class action seeking $400 million in damages

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Two companies have launched a class action lawsuit regarding neonicotinoid pesticides produced by Bayer and Syngenta, say London, Ont. law firm Siskinds LLP and the Ontario Beekeepers’ Association


London, Ont. – Beekeepers have launched a class action lawsuit regarding the neonicotinoid pesticides designed, developed, marketed and produced by Bayer (CropScience) and Syngenta. The class action is seeking in excess of $400 million in damages.

The law firm of Siskinds LLP and the Ontario Beekeepers’ Association (OBA) released the news. Sun Parlor and Munro Honey are the two companies that have set the class action in motion.

The OBA says it’s notifying other beekeepers in the province. The class action has been filed by Siskinds LLP to recover damages suffered by beekeepers due to the widespread use of neonicotinoid pesticides.

If successful, beekeepers who join could recover losses and damages from as far back as 2006.

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The Statement of Claim alleges, among other things, that Bayer (CropScience) and Syngenta were negligent in their manufacture, sale and distribution of neonicotinoids in Ontario that caused beekeepers to suffer significant losses and damage.

These losses include killed or weakened bees; non-productive queens and bee colonies; breeding stock; contaminated wax, combs and hives; reduced honey production and lost profits; costs incurred to meet honey and pollination contracts; and increased labour, equipment and supply expenses. This class action seeks to recover these losses.

“While the OBA is not directly involved in this action, we support any effort that could help beekeepers recover losses caused by the overuse of neonicotinoids,” says Tibor Szabo, the OBA’s vice-president.

“This Action puts the blame where it belongs – on the pesticide manufacturers.”

For more information, click here.

 


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