Sustain welcomes the Government's decision not to grant authorisation for use of a bee-killing neonicotinoid on sugar beet in England in 2025.
On 23 January, the Government confirmed that it would not approve an application for “emergency” use of a neonicotinoid pesticide on sugar beet in England. Sustain welcomes the decision, having signed an open letter calling for an end to emergency authorisations, along with alliance members including Pesticide Action Network UK, the Wildlife Trusts, and Soil Association.
In a statement, DEFRA explained that the decision to turn down the application by British Sugar and the National Farmers Union was made due to “clear and abundant” scientific evidence that the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam is toxic to pollinators. Just one teaspoon could kill 1.25 million bees. Even at non-lethal doses, it can impair bees’ ability to forage and hive productivity.
The pesticide - also known as Cruiser B - has been banned in the EU and the UK since 2018, due to its negative impact on biodiversity. However, the previous government granted permission for “emergency” use on sugar beet crops for four years in a row, against scientific advice. While in opposition, the Labour Party promised voters that it would end such emergency derogations.
Will White, Sustainable Farming Campaign Coordinator, said:
“It’s encouraging to see Labour stand firm against industry pressure. Neonicotinoids should have been taken out of our farming systems years ago, given the damage they do to pollinators. This decision is not just a win for bees—it’s a win for long-term food security too, because our entire food system depends on healthy insect populations.”
The Government said it was “committed to supporting farmers to tackle pests effectively and sustainably”, by funding biological control through Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme, and research into precision breeding crops for resilience to disease and pests.
Bumblebee on a bean flower. Credit: Mircea Costina: Shutterstock
Sustainable Farming Campaign: Pushing for the integration of sustainable farming into local, regional and national government policies.