NFU hits out at bid to extend restrictions

PROPOSALS TO extend the restrictions on nicotine-like pesticides known as neonicotinoids, which have been linked to the decline in bee populations, will be discussed by EU member states this week.

In the UK, proposed restrictions, described as a precautionary measure to protect pollinating insects, would include all uses of such chemicals on cereals, sugar beet and vegetable crops.

But the National Farmers’ Union is arguing that the available evidence does not justify blanket restrictions.

Friday’s meeting of the EU’s plants, animals, food and feed committee follows the publication of new risk assessments by the European Food Safety Authority in February, and last year’s announcement of UK Government support for further restrictions.

But the NFU said last night that there was “no clear evidence” that the pesticides were causing widespread declines in bee populations, or that bans would help protect their numbers.

Dr Chris Hartfield, the organisation’s senior regulatory affairs adviser, said: “We are all concerned about the health of bees and other pollinating insects, but we genuinely believe the Commission is taking the discussions around the use of insecticides in the wrong direction, which will not deliver meaningful or measurable benefits for pollinators.”

He added: “Farmers work hard to use pesticides carefully and appropriately to minimise the risks around their use. They have also planted around 10,000 football pitches worth of flower habitat across the country to support a healthy bee population.”

A field of tulips in bloom near the village of East Winch in Norfolk, as the early summer weather turned to showers. Tomorrow is forecast to be bright and sunny but more rain is expected across Yorkshire on Friday and over the weekend.