Significant restrictions on neonicotinoids threaten several industries

Today, despite the well-founded objections of several Member States, the European Commission's Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed voted in favour of banning the use of active substances in plant protection products, with 16 countries voting in favour. – the use of thiamethoxam, imidacloprid and clothianidin in open field areas. From now on, these insecticides will only be allowed to be used in covered areas, provided that the treated plants remain in the greenhouse for the entire growing season.

Maira Dzelzkalēja-Burmistre, Deputy Chairwoman of the Association “Farmers’ Council”: "These days The European Commission's vote proved that the different, but well-founded, opinion of the Nordic countries is not taken into account in decisions that are crucial for farmers. By banning the use of neonicotinoids in field crops, we are cutting off the branch we are sitting on, as it will have a significant negative impact on the Latvian economy. Our producers will have to compete with farmers from third countries where neonicotinoid active substances are permitted, thus imported products will be cheaper in terms of price. The ban will affect the cultivation of summer rape, potato and vegetable growers, and the cultivation of ornamental and forest plants, which has proven itself to be a strong export sector over the years.”

Zinta Jansone, crop production expert at the Latvian Agricultural Cooperatives Association: "It is a pity that the European Commission, by banning the further use of neonicotinoids, is taking such a narrow view of this issue. In its prepared position on the necessity of the aforementioned plant protection products, Latvia had expressed extensive reasoning, which was based on economic calculations and practical observations regarding summer rape. I believe that the European Commission should have taken our objections into account and listened to the opinion of its Member State. Today's decision by the European Commission will have significant, negative consequences for the internal, external, as well as overall competitiveness of the Member States within the framework of those agricultural sectors in which the previously banned plant protection products were used."

PRes_Significant restrictions on neonicotinoids threaten several sectors of the economy