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Farming Today: Neonicotinoid Ban, Groceries Code Adjudicator Conference, Agricultural Journalism

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25/06/2014

Neonicotinoid Ban, Groceries Code Adjudicator Conference, Agricultural Journalism

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, Neonicotinoid Ban, Groceries Code Adjudicator Conference, Agricultural Journalism

Calls for a derogation on the EU ban on neonicotinoids.

Calls for withdrawal of the EU ban on neonicotinoids so British farmers can plant seeds treated with the insecticide this autumn. Environmental campaigners say it's 'outrageous'.

The agri-chemical company Syngenta has applied to Defra for a derogation on the EU ban on neonicotinoids so British farmers can plant seeds treated with the insecticide this autumn. Without it they warn next year's crop of oilseed rape could fail. Environmental campaigners say the request is "outrageous" and the ban is in place to protect pollinators.
It comes as a group of international scientists publish a review of 800 scientific papers looking at the impact of neonicotinoids, the most widely used agri-chemical in the world. It claims they are damaging a wide range of invertebrates, such as earthworms, bees and butterflies; the effects of which could spread up the food chain to birds and reptiles. The analysis, known as the Worldwide Integrated Assessment, recommends tighter regulation and a dramatic reduction in global use - if not the total phasing out of neonicotinoids. 
Anna Hill chairs a discussion between Guy Smith, vice president of the NFU and Nick Mole from Pesticide Action Network, a group that campaigns to reduce pesticide use.
Anna also meets Michael Pollitt, outgoing agricultural editor at the Eastern Daily Press. Covering his 30th Royal Norfolk Show, he shares his thoughts on how the image of farming has changed over four decades in journalism.
And the Groceries Code Adjudicator Christine Tacon on the success of her first annual conference.
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