These insecticides, banned since 2018 because of their effects on biodiversity, have benefited from derogations since an epidemic of jaundice in 2020.
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New respite for farmers. Neonicotinoids, family of pesticides with harmful effects for bees, can again be used for the cultivation of sugar beet in 2022, according to a decree published Tuesday, February 1 in the Official Journal. The text also restricts the crops that can be planted the following year, to reduce the exposure of pollinating insects to neonicotinoid residues.
This category of insecticides, banned in the European Union since 2018, has benefited from several similar exemptions since 2020, when an epidemic of jaundice led to the destruction of a third of the sugar beet harvest and 280 million euros in losses. Associations had challenged the derogation in court, pointing out the risks to biodiversity posed by these pesticides, without success.
This new decree was eagerly awaited by the sector, in the absence of an effective alternative solution to fight against the aphid vectors of the disease. Derogations are only permitted by law until July 2023. Experiments are underway to “prepare for the final release of neonicotinoids from the 2024 season through the identification and deployment of alternatives”according to a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture.