We’re delighted the government has made the “only sensible choice” and acted to protect nature.
The ban of a neonicotinoid pesticide - which is highly toxic to bees - has been upheld, refusing the application for their emergency use in England. The pesticide is used on sugar beet to tackle a disease spread by aphids and has previously been allowed as an emergency measure to protect crops despite a ban on its use in the EU and the UK.
The RSPB, along with other environmental organisations, has been calling for a total ban to be enforced and alternative nature-friendly measures to be used instead. We’re delighted that the Government has listened to the science and that the application for use this year has been rejected.
It’s a vital step in efforts to protect UK wildlife and the move comes after continued campaigns by the RSPB and other environmental charities, including a sector-wide effort from the Pesticide Collaboration.
RSPB Director of Policy and Advocacy Kevin Austin explains: "The Government made the only sensible choice and upheld the ban on the use of neonicotinoids, refusing the application for use on sugar beet in England. The science is clear that this bee-killing pesticide has no place in our countryside if we are to reverse nature’s decline and secure our future food security.
“It is now absolutely vital that farmers are properly supported to access viable nature-friendly alternatives; our ability to produce food depends on nature, including pollinators, and we cannot leave our precious wildlife in freefall any longer."
Around 70% of the UK is farmed, which means that reversing nature’s decline will not be possible without the incredible work of farmers. For decades, we’ve worked alongside farmers, landowners and crofters to support nature-friendly farming, demonstrating ways of working that are profitable and productive.
We know what it will take to secure the future of our wildlife and our food security, and famers must be supported in their efforts to farm with nature in mind. That’s why we’re calling on the UK government to support nature-friendly farming.
Help us secure the future for people and wildlife by joining our campaign for nature-friendly farming.
