NFU will persist in applying for emergency use of neonicotinoid after being denied

NFU to continue with neonicotinoids application (Picture: Cabbage stem flea beetle)
NFU to continue with neonicotinoids application (Picture: Cabbage stem flea beetle)

The NFU has said it will persist in applying for the emergency use of neonicotinoid seed treatments on behalf of farmers facing pressure from cabbage stem flea beetle.

This follows Defra’s announcement yesterday afternoon that Farming Minister George Eustice has decided not to accept the NFU’s most recent applications.

The NFU’s application was for a limited proportion of the oilseed rape crop in England and was meant to be specifically targeted to the fields at greatest risk from CSFB.

The types of neonicotinoids that were applied for are thiamethoxam (Cruiser OSR) and clothianidin (Modesto).

The application was reviewed last week by the UK Expert Committee on Pesticides (ECP).

The ECP said: "There is insufficient information to ensure that use will be limited only to those areas where there is a danger or threat to plant protection.

"And the stewardship arrangements proposed by the applicant do not offer adequate assurance that the use will be controlled in an appropriate fashion."

'Blow for arable farmers'

NFU Vice President Guy Smith said: "This is a blow for arable farmers across the country whose oilseed rape crops are under heavy threat from cabbage stem flea beetle.

"We are disappointed with the Minister’s decision; we strongly argued the case on behalf of our members.

"We remain committed to obtaining approval for the emergency use of neonicotinoid seed treatments for this planting season.

"These plant protection products are absolutely vital in protecting England’s oilseed rape crop from pests.

"We are currently looking into making further applications."