Ban on diquat and thiram is imminent

Diquat and thiram seem to be lost to arable farmers. The reason for this is the decision of the appeal committee. The European Commission (EC) had called in that committee after another committee was unable to reach a decision.

The EC had called in this committee because the technical experts of the European Union (EU), also known as the Scopaff Committee, were unable to reach a decision. According to Chris Hartfield, advisor to the NFU, the difference between the technical committee and the appeal committee is that the appeal committee can make the decision more at a political level, because then the member states have a vote.

However, the appeals committee has not yet been able to make a decision. According to Hartfield, the position of 'no opinion' is increasingly being taken. Now that the appeal committee has no opinion either, it means that the EC has to make the decision. It proposal of the EC is not to renew the approval of both substances.

Ban in 2019
As a result, it appears that the EU will be publishing regulations banning these substances in the coming weeks. The permits are usually withdrawn within 3 months. However, there is still a period of 6 months in which the substances may be used. If the plan goes ahead, the substances may no longer be used in 2019.

Thiram is used for fungal control in sugar beets, among others, and helps to protect the crop against soil-borne diseases. The sugar beet cultivation would again get a means less, after also neonicotinoids banned .

Important Resources
Pesticide companies have pointed to new investigations into Thiram. However, the Board for the Authorization of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (Ctgb) found no reason in these studies to adjust the negative opinion. Diquat is an important contact agent for potato cultivation and has been on the market since 1962, including for haulm killing and weed control. For example, it is also in Reglone.

Anne-Jan Doorn

Anne Jan Doorn is an arable expert at Boerenbusiness. He writes about the various arable farming markets and also focuses on the land and energy market.

aj.doorn@boerenbusiness. Nl

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