The French government is set to propose a derogation for the ban of neonicotinoids for use on sugar beet.

Neonicotinoids was an important group of pesticides used to control harmful pests in crops.

In 2018 the EU imposed a ban on three of the most popular neonicotinoids for use on field crops. Neonicotinoids were blamed for harming pollinating insects when used on flowering crops.

France had been one of the most vocal countries, calling for a ban in the EU. In a statement last week however, the French Ministry of Agriculture stated that they plan to support a legislative amendment in parliament later this year to exempt sugar beet for up to three years from the ban on neonicotinoids.

Virus

The move comes as grower’s battle with an unprecedented outbreak of the jaundice virus. The virus is spread by aphids and can cause significant yield loss.

The announcement came following a meeting with sugar industry representatives.

“French sugar beet producers are facing an unprecedented crisis: the jaundice virus transmitted by aphids has developed massively across France’s growing regions and is going to impact heavily on sugar beet production,” the ministry stated.

Conditions

While beets do not produce flowers before the harvest period, which limits the impact of these insecticides on pollinating insects the derogation will only be granted under strict conditions:

• They can only be used on seed dressings. spraying of neonicotinoids will remain prohibited, in order to limit the risks of dispersion of the product

• A ban on the planting of attractive pollinator crops, following those of beets, so as not to expose pollinating insects to possible product residues

• The development of a plan by the end of 2020 for the protection of pollinators, aimed at strengthening their protection during flowering periods

Virus

Thee jaundice virus, which is transmitted by aphids, has been a significant problem for growers in every region of France this year.

This virus can cause substantial yield losses of between 30 and 50%. The move is seen as an important step to protecting the French sugar beet industry which supports 46,000 jobs, including 25,000 farmers and 21 sugar factories.

Read more

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