Agroinsurance

NEWS

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

07.08.2020 791 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.

ASF outbreak deepens uncertainty for Bhutan’s pig farmers

The ministry urged farmers to immediately strengthen farm biosecurity by restricting visitors, preventing contact between domestic and wild pigs, and ensuring that any kitchen waste fed to pigs is boiled and cooked for at least 30 minutes.

14.05.2026

More focus on early detection of Nesidiocoris

In Northern Europe, the predatory bug Nesidiocoris tenuis, commonly referred to as Nesi, presents a growing challenge for tomato growers.

14.05.2026

South Africa - Five new farming risks reshape agricultural insurance

This includes combining traditional insurance with alternative instruments and broader risk tools

14.05.2026

Canada - Cattle industry calls for stronger risk management programs

Canada’s cattle sector is urging governments to modernize business risk management programs, warning that current tools are not keeping pace with market volatility, rising costs, and major policy uncertainty.

14.05.2026

India - Hailstorm-hit Growers Say Govt Ignoring Crop Insurance, Loan Waiver Pleas

Growers across Kashmir have demanded immediate government intervention after severe hailstorms and heavy rainfall caused widespread damage to orchards and standing crops in several districts, including Baramulla, Bandipora and parts of south Kashmir.

14.05.2026

USA - Michigan apple crop continues to face frost threats into May

A West Michigan apple grower says she remains optimistic about this season, even with at least eight frost-risk events so far.

12.05.2026

India - Storms damage mango, watermelon, and vegetable crops in Jharkhand

High-velocity winds, heavy rainfall, and hailstorms across Jharkhand in recent days have caused damage to seasonal fruit and vegetable crops, including mangoes, watermelons, tomatoes, coriander, okra, and gourds.

12.05.2026

Canada - AFSC rethinking honey insurance programs offered to Alberta beekeepers

Despite offering coverage for everything from bear attacks to parasitic mites, Alberta’s honey insurance programs continue to see remarkably low participation rates among the province’s beekeepers.