I applaud the reasons.

However, it will be a complete waste of time and effort if they are released anywhere while canola is being grown.

Farmers spray canola with insecticide to control aphids and of course, kill all the bees as well as all predators which control aphids.

We had lots of bees - both native bees and native bees.

A farmer sprayed insecticide two years ago on a canola crop which was frost damaged so the yield was already reduced.

We had lots of bees before he sprayed.

They all disappeared!

We may be able to pollinate pumpkins etc with a cotton bud by hand, but it is more difficult with fruit trees.

I think farmers should think about the damage they do with sprays, particularly insecticides.

PS - I heard on the news about a beekeeper who lost 50 hives to spray drift from a cotton crop.

AJ Smeaton, Parkes.