Can French derogation for neonics be followed?

Corn producers in France also want a government exemption for the use of neonicotinoids. In doing so, they are responding to the promise to sugar beet growers who are allowed to use coated seed from 2021. In the Netherlands, the VVD has asked parliamentary questions about the issue.

The French Ministry of Agriculture announced August 6 derogation to be granted when using coated seed with neonics. It is a commitment for 3 seasons, starting next year. This news is causing quite a stir. The beekeepers and environmental organizations in France are indignant and in other European countries there are fears of unfair competition. In The Netherlands en Germany is called for a similar exemption.

No alternative to fly control
But the discussion is not limited to the beet sector only. Similarly, the General Association of Maize Producers (AGPM) in France wants the government to help the sector. With the current ban on neonicotinoids, the corn cultivation has its back against the wall in the fight against flies, according to the producer organization. There would be no sufficiently effective alternative to this problem.

In 2016, flies caused enormous damage to maize cultivation in France. Mainly in Brittany, where more than 40% of the acreage was severely affected. Some plots were even completely destroyed. "The crop protection problems for maize growers are just as serious as for beet growers," said AGPM. The organization calls the total ban on 3 neonicotinoids, which has been in place in Europe since 2018, without a comparable alternative.

Derogation possible in the Netherlands?
The big question for growers in the Netherlands is whether exemption from the neonicotinoids ban also has a chance of success. Member of Parliament Helma Lodders (VVD) has been pursuing this for some time a lobby and calls the current situation worrying. Lodders, in response to last week's messages on Boerenbusiness Parliamentary questions posed to agriculture minister Carola Schouten.

Lodders believes that the Netherlands - following France's lead - should reconsider a derogation for admission. She is pushing for a level playing field in countries in Northern Europe, where beet cultivation is an important sector. Lodders also wants the minister to enter into discussions with the sector parties about current developments. Schouten was also asked to outline the consequences of the current ban on beet cultivation and to inform the House of Representatives about this before the 2021 budget discussion.

Jeanette Pennings

Jeannet has her roots in the flower bulb sector and she grew up on an agricultural company in the northern part of North Holland. As a generalist she reports for Boerenbusiness across all sectors. She is also exploring the possibilities of sponsored advertising.

j.pennings@boerenbusiness. Nl

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