Impact of EU restrictions on the use of actives clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in UK crop production
Neonicotinoid insecticides are used in almost every sector of UK crop production, often forming the basic building block of farmers' and growers' insecticidal crop protection programme. They are mainly formulated as seed treatments, foliar sprays, or granules to incorporate into growing media. The EU Commission has taken action to restrict the use of 3 neonicotinoids (clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) for a period of at least 2 years.
The main elements of the Commission's regulation, published last week, are covered in this NFU briefing and a list of affected crops and plant protection products is also provided. It is important to note that some further clarifications from regulators are required regarding how aspects of this regulation will be interpreted. Additional information is available in a hgca review produced in June 2013 see www.hgca.com/neonics