Grassland farmers must wake up to changing pesticide rules
While many farmers who use professional pesticides on grassland are aware of the need to protect water, a significant number remain unaware of the imminent changes in legislation to use and apply such products, according to The Voluntary Initiative (VI). A survey undertaken by the VI and the Pesticides Forum during summer/autumn 2014 showed that […]
Move to ban pesticides ‘a threat to UK food security’
Scientists at the James Hutton Institute have cast doubt on the wisdom and the benefit of the European Union’s aim to restrict the use of a range of pesticides. They have voiced this view in response to a report commissioned by the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), the Crop Protection Association (CPA) and the Agricultural Industries […]
Pyrethroid resistance found in cabbage stem flea beetles
Researchers have confirmed that pyrethroid resistant cabbage stem flea beetles are present in the UK. This information is vital for oilseed rape growers who are already sowing crops following this year’s early harvest. Work carried out by Rothamsted Research, as part of HGCA Project 214–0019, shows that knock down resistance (KDR) is found in UK […]
Pesticides analysis underlines need for more sustainable farming
A major review of systemic pesticides – the best known of which are neonicotinoids – led by a range of leading scientists has confirmed these chemicals are already causing significant damage to a wide range of beneficial invertebrate species. Additionally the authors have recognised the potential threat to other species, such as birds. Dr David […]
How the crop protection industry protects more than just crops
Meeting over the next two days in Belgrade, Serbia, a delegation of more than 50 crop protection industry and authority representatives will share information and discuss ways to ensure the sustainable and safe use of pesticide products, an important tool for Europe’s farmers. Each year the SUI conference is organised in one of the countries […]
Role of pesticides in bee decline: scientists call for evidence-driven debate
An international panel of scientists is today calling for an evidence-driven debate over whether a widely used type of insecticide is to blame for declines in bees and other insect pollinators. An EU ban on certain neonicotinoid insecticides was introduced in December 2013 because of fears they are harming pollinating insects. Pollination by insects is critical for many crops and […]
CLA welcomes initiative for sustainable use of pesticides
The CLA today (14 April) welcomed the launch of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan which aims to deliver sustainable pest and weed control. The organisation, a founding member of The Voluntary Initiative (VI) which launched the plan, said it provides UK farmers and landowners with a straightforward format for sustainable pest control. CLA President […]
New research call for slug control
Work by AHDB’s crop divisions has estimated that a lack of slug control products could potentially cost UK crop production £100 million annually. To help sustain UK crop production, AHDB has revealed plans to invest in a programme of slug research by combining £300,000 of levy funds with potentially significantly greater external sources of funding. […]
Stewardship welcomes recognition of low drift nozzles
The announcement by the UK Chemicals Regulatory Department (CRD) to recognise low drift nozzles as risk mitigation measures for applications of plant protection products on broad acre arable and grassland crop is warmly welcomed by the consortium of the Say NO to DRIFT stewardship campaign. Since early 2012, the initiative has proved that growers are […]
