UK's NFU supports Syngenta neonicotinoid legal challenge

Speaking recently at the UK Onions and Carrots Conference in Peterborough, the UK ‘s National Farmers Union (NFU) President Peter Kendall confirmed the NFU's support for Syngenta’s legal challenge of the European Commission’s on certain neonicotinoids.

Peter Kendall said: “I can confirm that the NFU will support Syngenta’s legal challenge of the European Commission’s hasty restrictions on certain neonicotinoids, including thiamethoxam, distributed by Syngenta as Cruiser. We are planning direct intervention in the case.

“It is critical to farmers that policy makers and regulators take decisions based on sound science. We note that even the British Beekeepers Association has not supported the restrictions of neonicotinoid use, and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust described the Commission’s actions as premature.

“This is critically important to farmers because maintaining a diverse range of pesticides is absolutely vital for productive and sustainable farming. Continual erosion of active ingredients on unjustifiable grounds increases the risk of pest, weed and disease resistance. That is why the NFU is concerned about the impact the restrictions will have on its members’ abilities to farm productively and sustainably, and we are also concerned that the restrictions demonstrate policy making by regulators without a clear basis in science.”