Bayer has made it clear it respects the European legislative process and accepts the recent decision of EU Member States to extend bans on the use of neonicotinoids in agriculture. However, as a consequence of the recent ban, Bayer has withdrawn its active clothianidin from the ongoing EU re-approval process (the current approval is set to expire on 31 January 2019). This withdrawal is a very clear signal the appeal is about the failings of the regulatory process, and not about trying to keep a neonicotinoid available in the EU.
Bayer has said it stands by the safety of its products – which have been approved by regulatory bodies around the globe – and it reiterated the value that neonicotinoids have for farmers in effectively managing pests.