I want to share this story which is sad and scary at the same time:
“Neonicotinoid pesticides are a newer class of chemicals that are applied to seeds before planting. This allows the pesticide to be taken up through the plant’s vascular system as it grows, where it is expressed in the pollen and nectar.
These insecticides are highly toxic to bees because they are systemic, water-soluble, and pervasive. They get into the soil and groundwater where they can accumulate and remain for many years and present long-term toxicity to the hive as well as to other species, such as songbirds.”
Read more here: Global Research
A quick web search revealed that Neonicotinoid pesticides are permitted in Australia and the Australian beekeeper website discussed the matter here: The Australian beekeeper
Just another reason to buy organic.