Neonicotinoid Derogation Requested June 26, 2014 12:00 am DEFRA have received a derogation request from Syngenta to enable farmers to use neonicotinoid seed treatment on their oilseed rape this autumn. The product Cruiser is among the banned substances in the EU-wide ban on neonics. A two year moratorium was introduced in December 2013 in order to protect bees. If agreed, the UK could see around 186,000 Ha of treated oilseed rape planted this autumn, around 30% of the total area. The derogation has been requested in particular for; protecting early sown crops, those sown before the 14th of August, from aphid damage during the establishment phase areas where flea beetle pressure is historically significant due to resistance and lack of available alternatives for treatment. A number of countries have already sought and been granted a derogation, in particular Romania where Cruiser is also used. The industry has asked of an early decision from the Government as planting time quickly approaches.
