Author Description

In Germany, few topics in the agriculture and food sector are so emotionally discussed as genetic engineering in agriculture. Parts of the beekeepers not only see applications of modern plant biotechnology as a sustainable threat to their economic existence. They also fear that the acceptance of honey by consumers is decreasing if honey contains traces of pollen from GM plants and that Bt toxins affect the health of bees. The report provides an overview of the efforts of German beekeepers to achieve a ban on the cultivation of genetically modified plants in Germany and shows the developments that have led to the revision of the honey directive 2001/110/EC. The scientific literature was reviewed regarding the impact of Bt toxins and Bt pollen on bee health. From the numerous investigations and obtained results, not negative effects of Bt toxins on the health of bees or on bee mortality can be concluded.