Ending neonic use entirely will negatively affect farming and wildlife: our letter to The Times

Sir,

The EU banned the use of neonicotinoids on plants bees find attractive in 2013, but sensibly permitted the protective coating of seeds that flower in their second year, where there is negligible risk. This allowed crops grown to produce valuable seeds to feed wildlife in winter, such as kale, targeted protection from flea beetle attack as the seedlings get established, avoiding the use less discriminate sprays.

Matt Ridley (Gove’s ban on neonicotinoids will harm insects, Nov 10) is right to suggest that the Government’s decision to end neonic use entirely will negatively affect farming and wildlife.

Andrew Gilruth
Director of Communications
Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust

Get your FREE neonicotinoids guide

Download your free GWCT guide containing:

✓ Background
✓ Neonic effects on bees
✓ Neonictoniod regulations