Chris Hartfield NFU Senior Regulatory Affairs Adviser said: “In the face of strong and clear evidence that the current restrictions are damaging European farming and food production, we feel it is unjust that the European Commission is proposing to extend the restriction to crops that are not even attractive to bees.
“Evidence from the Commission’s Joint Research Centre, presented in Brussels in January clearly concluded that the current neonicotinoid restrictions have resulted in farmers significantly increasing use of insecticide sprays and other treatments. These alternatives are costing more in terms of money and time, plus are less effective at controlling pests. As a result pest numbers are increasing and there has been no observed benefit to beneficial insects as a result of the current restrictions.
“We’re also surprised the Commission is putting these proposals on the table when just last month the legality of its original restrictions – based on guidance documents that still aren’t finalised or agreed by Member States – was debated before the EU General Court.
“While the Court is still considering the case, we believe the Commission is using the same guidance and flawed procedure to propose extending the ban. Proposing to do ‘more of the same’ before the Court has even given its judgement just shows to us how high-handed and autocratic the Commission’s approach to decision making appears to have become.”