The impact of the ban on neonicotinoids

The following is an extract from an article published in European Seed magazine:

“The restriction on the use of neonicotinoids has resulted in severe economic losses for the European agriculture sector. As an example, the economic cost to the European oilseed rape industry is estimated at almost €900 million per year. Additionally, the ban also had significant environmental impact, both within the EU and on a global scale, globally shifting oilseed rape production outside the EU triggered a conversion of more than 500,000 ha of grass land and natural habitats to arable land equalling the loss of over 300,000 ha of biodiversity-rich rainforest.

For sugar beet, if neonicotinoids are banned, there could be severe yield losses, leading to a reduction in farm income. This, combined with additional sprays, lower factory utilisation, and reduced sugar output, would lead to an associated income loss for Europe is estimated at 0.8-1.6 billion Euros.

To provide more insight on this topic, and assess the actual impact of the neonics ban on European farming, several studies have been car-ried out. In January 2017, the research agency HFFA Research GmbH carried out a study to calculate the economic and environmental impacts of the ban, focusing specifically on the impact on oilseed rape cultivation. And in May of the same year, LMC International carried out a similar study on the eco-nomic impact of the neonic ban in sugar beets.”

Click here to read the full article including statements from Ioana Tudor, global head of Syngenta Seedcare