UK’s Defra ruling on neonicotinoid pesticides is “a blow for farmers”, says NFU

Farmers wanted to use two neonicotinoid pesticides on a third of the total area of oilseed rape grown in England, to tackle cabbage stem flea beetle, which they say poses a serious threat to crops.

The pesticides have been banned by the European Union for crops such as oilseed rape, amid concerns over harmful impacts on bees – but emergency use can be approved in limited circumstances where the problem cannot be dealt with in any other way.

Last year, the government approved a similar application to use the pesticides on up to 5pc of oilseed rape crops.

But this year, Defra ministers have turned down an application for an emergency authorisation, made by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.

The move follows advice from an expert committee, which warned there was not enough information to be sure the pesticides would only be used where there was a danger or threat to crops and not “adequate assurance” use would be appropriately controlled.

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.

“These plant protection products are absolutely vital in protecting England’s oilseed rape crop from pests. We are currently looking into making further applications.”

But Friends of the Earth bee campaigner Dave Timms said: “The government’s decision to reject this application is great news for Britain’s bees.

“The Expert Committee on Pesticides has given a damning verdict on the applications.

“We hope the NFU will get the message and give up trying to bring back these dangerous chemicals.”