This is a news item from NFWI: The NFWI is very concerned about the recent announcement (9.01.2021) that authorisation of the use of highly environmentally damaging neonicotinoid-based pesticides has been granted for use on sugar beet fields in England. Neonicotinoid-based pesticides received an EU-wide ban in 2018 due to their associated environmental effects. DEFRA has previously publicly acknowledged that the use of neonicotinoid-based pesticides risk ‘extensive and permanent effects on bee populations.' Further research has also evidenced other forms of environmental damage caused by neonicotinoid-based pesticides, including the pollution of aquatic environments, soil pollution and the endangerment of the lives of aquatic insect and fish populations. As an organisation with rural roots, the NFWI appreciates that the effects of climate change are putting increased pressures on farming. However, the NFWI believes that the solutions to these problems lie in sustainable farming practices, and not through the use of environmentally damaging neonicotinoid-based pesticides. We have written to George Eustice MP, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to express our concerns about this decision. We have also put together a template letter for WI members to send to their MPs highlighting their concerns about the use of neonicotinoid-based pesticides. Eckington WI have attached the template letter for members (& other interested parties) to use. Our MP is Harriet Baldwin. (PHOTO Photo by Tibor Fazakas from freeimages.com)
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