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

07.08.2020 917 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
10.09.2026

AVA-ASAJA urges the EU to enforce cold treatment standards on South Africa

The EU's TRACES platform has reported another detection of the false moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) in oranges from South Africa. 

10.09.2026

India - Andaman Farmers Trained in Modern Goat Farming, Livestock Insurance and Institutional Credit

Farmers in New Bimblitan received practical training on modern goat farming, with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services focusing on scientific livestock management and access to government support schemes.

10.09.2026

Canada - EF1 tornado confirmed in Wellesley Township, 2 others confirmed in Tavistock

An EF1 tornado touched down in Wellesley Township, just north of Wellesley.

10.09.2026

Nigeria - Insurance, a strategic instrument for economic stability

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has disclosed that insurance is far more than financial service “It is a strategic instrument for economic stability”.

10.09.2026

Polish apple exporters face unstable prices amid conflicting crop estimates

The upcoming Polish apple season is being shaped by uncertainty over prices and conflicting information about the size of the crop, says Mohamed Marawan, managing director for Polish apple exporter Sarafruit.

10.09.2026

Spain - Reefer technologies and cold-chain solutions in focus in Madrid

MSC will exhibit at Fruit Attraction 2026, which will take place from 6 to 8 October at IFEMA MADRID – Exhibition Center, Av. Partenon 5, 28042, Madrid. The event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., closing at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday.

09.09.2026

Philippines - 5K farmers in Laoag to receive crop insurance from city gov't

More than 5,000 farmers and fisherfolk in this city will get added protection from the effects of adverse weather conditions through crop insurance, strengthening the safety net for agricultural producers whose livelihoods remain vulnerable to typhoons, drought, floods, and other natural hazards.

09.09.2026

USA - University of Idaho lands $6 million to help farmers cut crop loss

The University of Idaho received part of a $6 million grant to study a specific crop problem that can cost farmers part of their harvest each year: stalk lodging.