Agroinsurance

NEWS

France - Plans to ease pesticide ban for sugar beet to curb crop losses

07.08.2020 881 views

The French government will propose lifting a ban on certain pesticides blamed for harming bees to protect sugar beet crops that have been ravaged by insects this year, the agriculture ministry said on Thursday. The government plans to support a legislative amendment in parliament later this year to exempt sugar beet for up to three years from a general ban on neonicotinoids, the ministry said in a statement following a meeting with sugar industry representatives. Sugar beet growers blame the ban on the neonicotinoid group of crop chemicals for insect attacks that could decimate yields this year and say this further threatens the French sugar sector after a price slump in recent years already led to factory closures. “French sugar beet producers are facing an unprecedented crisis: the jaundice virus transmitted by aphids has developed massively across France’s growing regions and is going to impact heavily sugar beet production,” the ministry said.

In addition to the proposed re-authorisation of neonicotinoid pesticides for sugar beet in time for next year’s spring planting, the ministry said 5 million euros ($5.9 million) would be offered to support research into alternatives to neonicotinoids. Farmers say outlawing these pesticides for sugar beet is not relevant to efforts to protect bees as the crop does not flower. They also blame the French authorities for applying a blanket ban on neonicotinoids whereas European Union regulations allow for exemptions. The ministry said the exemption for sugar beet would only apply to pre-treated seeds, with field-spraying of neonicotinoids to remain banned. For crop losses this year, which farmers say could reach 50% in the worst cases, the government will offer compensation to growers, the ministry added.

istanbul escort şişli escort tbilisi escort şişli escort şişli escort maslak escort istanbul escort beşiktaş escort taksim escort izmir escort ümraniye escort mecidiyeköy escort şişli escort

EVENTS

ScaleAgData Stakeholder Engagement Event

22.10.2024

The ScaleAgData project is pleased to invite you to our second stakeholder event. Building on the discussions and connections formed during our first webinar, this event will focus on fostering collaboration among stakeholders, providing updates on our project’s progress, and outlining future opportunities for engagement.

RISK EVENTS

Moldova - May frosts caused heavy damage to fruit orchards

10.05.2026

The first frosty nights of May have significantly worsened estimates of damage to Moldova's fruit sector from spring frosts. According to initial assessments by fruit market operators, between a quarter and a third of the country's total orchard area was seriously affected.

Canada - Crop development on track in southeast despite weather, gophers

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture says the recent heatwave has led to the rapid development of crops, according to the latest weekly crop report. The heat also contributed to haying progress.

05.08.2026

Spain - The Government launches aid to boost agricultural insurance against climate risks

The Generalitat reinforces the Agricultural Insurance Plan 2026 with almost 29 million and greater subsidies to lower the premiums against climate risks.

05.08.2026

USA - USDA extends crop insurance premium terms, confirms 5% prevent plant buy up

Citing ongoing challenges to the U.S. farm economy, USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced temporary premium payment flexibilities and reinstatement of the option to purchase additional 5% prevented planting coverage.

05.08.2026

India - Rajasthan tops country with over 10 million hectares under crop insurance

Rajasthan has emerged as the national leader in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), providing financial protection to millions of farmers against crop losses caused by natural calamities and adverse weather conditions, officials said on Wednesday.

05.08.2026

USA - Webinar explains new forage revenue protection insurance program

For the first time, many forage producers have access to the Forage Production Revenue Protection insurance program, which provides protection against both yield and price losses.

05.08.2026

India - Floodwaters recede in Balasore, damaged homes and crop loss reported

The situation across flood-affected regions of Balasore district remains critical even though the water levels finally receded after three days of inundation. Residents in affected areas have begun assessing the damage and attempting to repair their damaged homes.

04.08.2026

The rising cost of severe weather for South African farmers

Severe weather events across South Africa continue to expose the agricultural sector to escalating climate-related risks. While hail remains a major concern, farmers are increasingly having to contend with multiple weather hazards – from strong winds and heavy rainfall to localised flooding and unseasonal conditions – often during the same production cycle.

04.08.2026

Philippines - Go pushes expanded agriculture insurance

SEN. Bong Go urged the government to expand crop insurance, post-harvest infrastructure, and financing programs to protect the agriculture sector from mounting risks and ensure the country’s food security.