NEWS

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

07.08.2020 945 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.
LATEST NEWS
07.10.2026

India - Goa paddy crop hit by rainfall deficit, around 20 hectares affected

Goa’s paddy crop has been affected by deficient monsoon rainfall, with preliminary reports estimating damage to around 20 hectares of cultivated fields across the state.

07.10.2026

Post-Harvest Loss: How NASENI’s Local Innovations Are Safeguarding Nigeria’s Agricultural Yields

Every year, Nigerian farmers face a quiet tragedy that unfolds long after seeds are sown and crops are nurtured. Beneath the scorching sun, vast fields produce abundance, only for a staggering percentage of this yield to rot in transit, spoil in sub-optimal storage, or decay due to lack of immediate processing infrastructure.

07.10.2026

USA - As Farm Bill expires, Kentucky farmers could be left without crucial support

Agriculture leaders say delay could worsen already difficult year.

07.10.2026

Sri Lanka - Govt considers insurance or compensation scheme for coconut crop damage

The Government is considering introducing an insurance scheme or suitable compensation mechanism for damage to coconut cultivation, Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyaratne has said.

07.10.2026

Cambodia - MAFF plans crop insurance and solar irrigation for modern cooperatives

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) is evaluating a disaster-related insurance scheme for modern agricultural cooperatives. Coupled with solar-powered irrigation initiatives, the move aims to strengthen climate resilience and guarantee long-term agricultural production.

07.10.2026

Climate risk mitigation project implemented in northern Ghana

The Ghana Agricultural Insurance Pool (GAIP) and its partners have rolled out a unique insurance product for farmers in the northern part of the country to help them mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.

05.10.2026

Moldova receives 185 bids for crop insurance aid

Moldovan agricultural producers submitted 185 applications totaling roughly €0.98 million (approx. 19.64 million MDL) to subsidize insurance premiums for 2025 contracts, the country's farm payment agency announced following the close of its September call.

05.10.2026

Climate Risks Push Cambodia to Consider Crop Insurance for Farmers

Droughts, floods and rising temperatures are putting Cambodia’s farmers under growing financial pressure, prompting the Ministry of Agriculture to consider crop insurance as a way to protect farmers from losses.