EU restricts neonicotinoid crop protection products

2 May 2013

EU partially restricts neonicotinoid crop protection products

Federated Farmers believes enough research will be available within two years to scientifically inform New Zealand decision-making on the future use of crop protection products from the Neonicotinoid family. This follows the European Union’s partial restriction of neonicotinoids for up to two years, starting on 1 December 2013.

“In New Zealand, neonicotinoids are mainly used on crops and as a seed treatment,” says Dr William Rolleston, Federated Farmers Vice-President.

“Concerns that neonicotinoids could harm bees have been raised before. As a result here, seed coating integrity is regularly monitored to avoid the potential for dust production during sowing.

“While you could say New Zealand is taking a less restrictive approach, in our view, we will be better informed by research being undertaken in Europe. Something we expect within the next two years, when the EU reviews the partial restriction it is imposing.

“As bee health is absolutely central to New Zealand pastoral agriculture and horticultural industries, Federated Farmers is extremely aware of the need to promote and advocate for the correct application process for all insecticides and foliage sprays.

“Bees must be central to any farmer or contractor’s spray management plan; whether that is in agriculture or horticulture.

“Those calling for a ban here need to know that neonicotinoid use in Europe has only been restricted. Even after 1 December, farmers there will still be able to use neonicotinoids with caution on pollination crops within greenhouses and in open-air fields after flowering.

“The EU’s restriction of neonicotinoid as a seed treatment is one facet where the science is currently inconclusive. Federated Farmers is particularly interested on further research to rule out neonicotinoid residues being present in plant material gathered by bees.

“Europe’s partial restriction only came about because EU Member States failed to reach a qualified majority. As a consequence, it fell back on the European Commission’s more cautious proposal for a partial restriction while further scientific research is undertaken.

“We feel New Zealand’s less restrictive but cautious approach with neonicotinoids is appropriate, until a scientific consensus can be formed about them,” Dr Rolleston concluded.

ENDS

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