Emergency Approval for Bee-Harming Pesticide Sparks Controversy in the UK

 Emergency Approval for Bee-Harming Pesticide Sparks Controversy in the UK

In a controversial move, the UK government has granted emergency approval for the use of a neonicotinoid pesticide on sugar beet seeds for the fourth consecutive year. Despite the ban since 2018 due to its adverse effects on bees, the pesticide is permitted to combat a crop virus spread by aphids. Environmental and wildlife groups, including The Wildlife Trusts and Wildlife and Countryside Link, criticize the decision, describing it as a "deathblow" for wildlife and a setback in evidence-based decision-making.

---

1. Emergency Approval for Neonicotinoid:

   • The UK government has given emergency approval for the use of a neonicotinoid pesticide on sugar beet seeds, marking the fourth consecutive year of such approval.

2. Banned Pesticide:

   • The neonicotinoid pesticide has been banned since 2018 due to its harmful impact on bees. Despite the ban, emergency approvals have been granted annually.

3. Crop Virus and Aphid Control:

   • The pesticide is permitted to address a damaging crop virus spread by aphids. The government considers it a necessary and proportionate measure to tackle the threat posed by the Virus Yellows disease.

4. Scientific Verification and Threshold:

   • The pesticide's use is contingent upon meeting an independent, scientifically-verified level of threat posed by Virus Yellows. A 65% infection threshold across the national sugar beet crop in March is required for authorization.

5. Industry Vow and Job Concerns:

   • Despite the industry's vow to find alternatives to the pesticide by the end of 2023, emergency approval has been granted. The National Farmers' Union (NFU) highlights the threat of Virus Yellows to the sugar beet industry, causing crop losses and jeopardizing jobs.

6. Environmental Criticism:

   • Environmental and wildlife campaigners criticize the decision, expressing concerns about the impact of the neonicotinoid on bees and wildlife. The Wildlife Trusts and Wildlife and Countryside Link deem the approval a "deathblow for wildlife" and a betrayal of sustainable farming practices.

7. Alternative Research and Future Prospects:

   • British Sugar, a major supplier, previously indicated efforts to develop alternatives to the neonicotinoid treatment. Research includes exploring the benefits of gene editing, and the company aims for Virus Yellows-resistant crops to be available commercially by 2026.

8. Government's Response:

   • Farming Minister Mark Spencer defends the decision, emphasizing that it is based on robust scientific assessment. He acknowledges the potential impact of a beet yellow virus outbreak on farmers' livelihoods and deems the emergency authorization a necessary and proportionate measure.

#Pesticides, #Neonicotinoid, #EnvironmentalControversy, #SugarBeet, #WildlifeProtection

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. Q: Why has the UK government granted emergency approval for the use of a neonicotinoid pesticide on sugar beet seeds?

   • A: The emergency approval is granted to tackle a damaging crop virus spread by aphids, despite the neonicotinoid being banned since 2018 due to its harm to bees.

2. Q: What condition must be met for the use of the neonicotinoid pesticide?

   • A: The use of the pesticide is contingent upon meeting an independent, scientifically-verified level of threat posed by the Virus Yellows disease. A 65% infection threshold across the national sugar beet crop in March is required for authorization.

3. Q: How have environmental and wildlife groups responded to the emergency approval?

   • A: Environmental and wildlife groups, including The Wildlife Trusts and Wildlife and Countryside Link, criticize the decision, describing it as a "deathblow" for wildlife and a setback in evidence-based decision-making.

4. Q: Why does the National Farmers' Union (NFU) express concerns, and what is the threat highlighted by the NFU?

   • A: The NFU expresses concerns about the threat of Virus Yellows to the sugar beet industry, causing crop losses of up to 80% and jeopardizing over 9,500 jobs.

5. Q: What alternatives is British Sugar exploring, and when does it aim to have Virus Yellows-resistant crops commercially available?

   • A: British Sugar is exploring alternatives, including research into gene editing. The company aims for Virus Yellows-resistant crops to be available commercially by 2026.