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19th February 2025
In the past few years we have relied on our government to continue with keeping our pollinators and ourselves safe from the use of the dangerous group of pesticides called neonicotinoids. Many other pesticides are still in use – research tells us that an average apple bought in a supermarket is likely to contain 17 different toxic chemicals including up to 5 different pesticides.
In 2018 the EU neonicotinoids were banned, however the UK has re-allowed the use of Thiamethoxam (also known as ‘Cruiser SB’) on an emergency derogation since 2021 for sugar beet against the yellow virus spread by an aphid.
Last spring with the upcoming elections, some parties, including Labour ran with promises to prevent the use of emergency derogations for neonicotinoids and thus put a stop the use of Thiamethoxam, but the conventional farming lobby is strong when they fear virus will affect their sugar beet crop.
Thiamethoxam is a systemic insecticide which means that it is absorbed throughout the entire plant if sprayed, and can also be used on seeds which in turn contain the chemical residue throughout the plant and into its pollen. Common uses of Thiamethoxam include it’s use in bait gels to kill chewing insects and treatment on seeds and crops.
There is significant evidence that Thiamethoxam can also leech from its intended crop into field margins and continue to show up in the pollen of other plants grown nearby for several years after use.
The side-effects of Thiamethoxam are deep reaching as neonicotinoids are proven to disturb the central nervous system. Studies where animals have ingested Thiamethoxam showed that exposure had resulted in clinical signs of neurotoxicity including (but not limited to) tremors, decreased motility or reactivity, poor reflexes and prostration. In summary, use of Thiamethoxam is detrimental to pollinators, nearby crops, future crops, other insects and animals, as well as the human population alike.
Defra has said (every year for the last 4 years) that the pesticide is tightly controlled, in fact it is currently a banned substance, but have still agreed to agricultural derogations – ie exceptional permission to use it. We and others continue to monitor the situation and would always urge our supporters to consider the ramifications of how their vote could impact the environment. We would advise using an organic sugar (as glyphosate is used on sugar cane) to avoid the residues of the chemicals used in such abundance.
NB: One teaspoon of the neonicotinoids pesticide could kill 1.25 billion bees. (ref Dave Goulson)
Update 23/1/25 – Defra has turned down the derogation for use of Cruiser SB (Thiamethoxam) – The BDA applauds this decision.
‘An emergency application for the use of a neonicotinoid pesticide on sugar beet in England will not be granted, the Government has confirmed today (Thursday 23 January).
This is the first time in five years that an emergency authorisation of Cruiser SB – which contains the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam – has not been approved for use on sugar beet.
There is clear and abundant evidence that this neonicotinoid is extremely toxic to pollinators such as bees. Even at doses that are not directly fatal to bees, it can cause cognitive problems impacting foraging abilities and the productivity of hives.
Environment Minister Emma Hardy said:
“Britain is currently one of the most nature depleted countries in the world.
“This government is committed to protecting bees from toxic neonicotinoid pesticides, while working with our farmers to find new ways to protect crops and support a profitable farming sector.’
For more information and a picture of the effects of Yellow Virus see https://www.fwi.co.uk/arable/defra-denies-request-for-neonics-use-on-sugar-beet
Further links:
- https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/05/labour-to-end-uk-exemptions-for-bee-killing-pesticides-outlawed-by-eu
- https://xerces.org/publications/scientific-reports/how-neonicotinoids-can-kill-bees#:~:text=Neonicotinoids%20are%20a%20group%20of,making%20them%20toxic%20to%20bees.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2468748019300153).
- https://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/uk-government-approves-the-use-of-banned-bee-harming-pesticide-for-fourth-year-running/
Hannah Gutteridge – BDA Certification manager & Gabriel Kaye – BDA Executive Director