The UK government announced that it will take legislative measures to permanently terminate the emergency use authorization for three new nicotine pesticides, specifically covering products containing thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, or clothianidin. These pesticides pose significant hazards to pollinating insects, even at non lethal doses, affecting bees' cognitive function and foraging ability.
Since the ban of neonicotinoid pesticides in 2018, sugar beet growers in the UK have been granted special permits every year to prevent and control yellowing virus diseases transmitted by aphids. This disease has caused up to 80% of crop losses. The current emergency authorization application is for Cruiser SB, which is used as a seed treatment agent and contains the new nicotine compound thiamethoxam.
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) and the British Sugar Corporation expressed concerns about this, but Environment Minister Emma Hardy emphasized that this decision is an important measure to protect the environment, water resources, and sustainable agricultural development. The industry has stated that they are actively developing alternative solutions, including technologies such as gene editing, traditional breeding, and integrated pest and disease management. The British sugar company previously stated that it hopes to commercialize crops resistant to yellowing disease by 2026.
Although emergency use applications in 2025 will still be processed according to current legal procedures, the government has promised to fully consider potential risks to pollinating insects in the decision-making process. This initiative has received support from environmental organizations, including the Wildlife Trust Fund.
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