A network analysis of how neonicotinoids have become embedded in New Zealand agriculture

Abstract

The use of neonicotinoid insecticides is becoming restricted, even banned, across the globe due to the potential harm it causes pollinators and beneficial insects. In New Zealand, neonicotinoids are used extensively across pastoral, arable and horticultural production systems, with over 62% of agricultural seeds being treated with this type of insecticide. Actor-Network Theory and, more specifically, Bruno Latour’s Circulatory System of Scientific Facts has been used to understand how relationships across New Zealand’s agricultural, scientific, political and environmental communities have developed in respect to neonicotinoid insecticide use. A document analysis and interviews with beekeepers, farmers, seed and chemical companies, regulators and industry representatives were used to generate data to inform this research. The approach helped explain the ongoing use of neonicotinoids in New Zealand. My results show that a slow and expensive regulatory process, the small size of New Zealand’s agri-compound market, a highly valuable apicultural industry, a native beetle species and a growing disconnect between some land-owners and their land all contribute to the continued use of neonicotinoids. Furthermore, this paper shows how market, policy and environmental change impact agricultural businesses and suggests that market demands are directing New Zealand’s horticultural producers towards different pest management solutions.