I am advised that the emergency authorisations for pesticides, which are used by countries across Europe, will only be granted in exceptional circumstances when diseases or pests are unable to be controlled by any other reasonable means. You may know that pesticides can only be used when it is judged that there will be no harm to people and they will not pose unacceptable risks to the environment.
You may want to read the full statement, justification and parameters here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/neonicotinoid-product-as-seed-treatment-for-sugar-beet-emergency-authorisation-application/statement-on-the-decision-to-issue-with-strict-conditions-emergency-authorisation-to-use-a-product-containing-a-neonicotinoid-to-treat-sugar-beet
I understand that an application was made by British Sugar and the National Farmers Union and Defra granted an emergency authorisation for the limited use of a neonicotinoid seed treatment on the 2021 sugar beet crop. The application is for the use of Syngenta’s Cruiser SB on the crop for England only for a maximum of 120 days. Viruses had significantly impacted yields of the 2020 sugar beet crop (forecast to be lost 24% on the previous year,) so this intervention needed to be made whilst the beet industry developed alternative solutions. You may be aware that emerging sugar beet seedling can become vulnerable to predation by aphids that can spread beet yellow virus. I was concerned to note this issue and I was also advised that the temporary use of this product is going to be strictly limited to a non-flowering crop and will be subject tight controls to minimise any potential risk to pollinators. In short:
- 10 EU countries including Belgium, Denmark and Spain have granted emergency authorisations for neonicotinoid seed treatments since 2018.
- Under EU legislation Member States may grant emergency authorisations in exceptional circumstances.
- The UK’s approach to the use of emergency authorisations has not changed as a result of the UK’s exit from the EU.
- This exceptional use of Syngenta’s Cruiser SB will be strictly controlled with conditions including a reduced application rate, the prohibition on any flowering crop being planted in the same field where the product has been used within 22 months of sugar beet, and a prohibition on oilseed rape being planted with 32 months of sugar beet.
I hope that the information is of reassurance and useful for your records, and I will be interested to note the outcomes of this issue in terms of Sugar Beet yields, as well as the emerging alternative solutions proposed by the beet industry in future years.