Minister does not support extension of desmedifam

The SCoPAFF will meet on 20 and 21 May to discuss the regulation of plant protection products in the European Union. Minister Carola Schouten (Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality) will write on Wednesday 15 May which positions she will take. The extension of desmedipham, the active ingredient in Betanal, is not possible if it is up to her.

The European Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SCoPAFF) supports the European Commission in decision-making on various agricultural topics, including crop protection. The European Commission last year already know that there is no majority to extend the active ingredient desmedifam, to which the European beet sector reacted with dismay.

Ctgb negative
In Letter to Parliament let her know that the Board for the Authorization of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (Ctgb) also advises her not to renew the approval. This is due to concerns about 'carcinogenic and reprotoxic properties'. Desmedipham is said to have a hormone-disrupting effect. The delegation therefore intends to agree to the proposal not to renew the extension.

After the European Commission's position was announced last year, the European beet growers' organization CIBE sounded the alarm. They called for letters to be sent urging that desmedipham, along with phenmedipham, are crucial for weed control in sugar beets. The Commission considered that there was not enough opposition from the sector. Suiker Unie supported the CIBE initiative.

Cost increase
Betanal is seen by many growers as the backbone in beet weed control, and is therefore much needed according to growers. A ban means that more must be combated mechanically. With a view to increasing costs, this is not seen as a positive development, certainly with the current beet prices and expectations for the crop. More details about the phasing out of desmedipham have not yet been announced.

Niels van der Boom

Niels van der Boom is a senior market specialist for arable crops at DCA Market Intelligence. He mainly makes analyses and market updates about the potato market. In columns he shares his sharp view on the arable sector and technology.

n.vanderboom@boerenbusiness. Nl

© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.