Buglife applauds Government decision to refuse the use of a banned pesticide in 2025 - Buglife
In a positive move for the environment, the Government has refused an application to apply the banned neonicotinoid, thiamethoxam, to British crops, protecting pollinators and freshwater invertebrates. This decision is in line with the Government’s commitment to end the use of emergency derogations for banned pesticides.
Buglife, along with other environmental and health organisations has been calling on stronger enforcement of the ban on neonicotinoid use since it was introduced by the European Union in 2018. The emergency authorisation process was not designed for repeated year-on-year authorisations that have taken place on an annual basis.
The independent, UK Expert Committee on Pesticides (ECP) has repeatedly advised against allowing thiamethoxam – a highly bee-toxic neonicotinoid – to be used due to the potential adverse effects on honeybees and other pollinators which outweigh any likely benefits.
A step towards a pesticide free future?
The harmful effects of neonicotinoids have been known for over a decade and the agricultural sector has been encouraged to find alternative, more environmentally friendly ways to manage threats to crops. The reliance on emergency derogation has appeared to prevent progress. The refusal of this application will promote more sustainable farming practices, encourage the use of safer alternatives, and help protect nature.
This decision will further help the UK towards meeting legally binding targets to halt biodiversity loss and reduction in pollution to the environment.
Read the press release from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs here: Pesticide emergency authorisation denied for 2025 to protect bees
Posted On: 24/01/2025
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