The NFU has submitted its revised application for the emergency use of neonicotinoid seed treatments for a more targeted area of the oilseed rape crop in England.
One of neonicotinoid's critics, Friends of the Earth - an international network of environmental organizations - is urging the government to 'stand up for Britain’s bees'.
The application will be discussed by the government’s official advisor, the Expert Committee on Pesticides, which is meeting next on Tuesday 14 June.
Friends of the Earth is calling for the application to be rejected, warning that the pesticides pose a real threat to Britain’s bees.
Friends of the Earth’s Head of Campaigns, Andrew Pendleton said: "Having last month turned down the NFU’s application to use bee-harming pesticides, it would be doubly reckless to allow their use now and also completely unnecessary.
"However, last year the Government caved in to their special pleading after first turning them down.
"Oilseed rape yields have actually risen since the ban on neonicotinoid pesticides was introduced, while the evidence of the harm these chemicals pose to bees has increased.
"Bees are essential for pollinating our crops - we can’t afford to gamble with their future.
"The Expert Committee and the government must uphold the ban and keep these dangerous pesticides out of our fields."
