Stripe through the ban on spraying, but with restrictions

The court in Leeuwarden ruled today (July 10) that a lily grower in Drenthe is allowed to apply plant protection products on his plots. In mid-June, great indignation arose within the agricultural sector when the judge in preliminary relief proceedings in Assen ruled against the grower forbade to use resources. A case about this was filed by local residents.

In particular, the fact that authorized plant protection products - approved by the Ctgb - apparently may not be used after all, is a hard blow for growers and agricultural entrepreneurs in general. This also applies to advocates such as the flower bulb organization KAVB and LTO. The Council judged this morning that the grower is allowed to carry out spraying again, but only allows four products.

Four resources
The fungicide Rudis, herbicides Titus and Goltix and Olie-H are the means that the grower must make do with according to the judge. Despite the fact that considerably more authorized products are available in lily cultivation, according to the ruling, this does not apply to this plot. According to the grower, the four resources mentioned are indispensable and are therefore permitted.

The appeal was lodged on Thursday, in which a decision was already made this morning because it concerns a 'turbo speed apple'. Further explanation is therefore still lacking. The case was brought by local residents of the lily plot in question because they fear for their health. The fact that the ban on spraying has now been lifted has caused great disappointment among residents.

Divisive mushroom
The lily industry is likely to breathe a sigh of relief with this small profit, even though not all restrictions have been lifted. There is a good chance that the last word has not yet been said on this divisive issue. Especially in the cultivation of lilies, the use of plant protection products remains a hot topic.

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

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