Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to help encourage the use of alternatives to neonicotinoid pesticides which do not harm pollinators.

Neonicotinoids are not generally permitted for use on crops. Time-limited emergency authorisations have been given to protect sugar beet crops from Yellows Viruses. This is not a permanent solution and the development of alternative, sustainable approaches to protect sugar beet crops is paramount. Work under way includes the development of resistant plant varieties, measures to improve crop hygiene and husbandry and alternative pesticides. British Sugar, seed companies and the British Beet Research Organisation are undertaking a programme of work developing these alternatives – which include Yellows Virus specific Integrated Pest Management techniques. The Government is monitoring the progress of this.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) lies at the heart of our approach to minimise the environmental impact of pesticides and is a key tool for businesses facing the challenges of pesticide resistance and changing pest pressures due to climate change. To support this, we are introducing new paid IPM actions within the Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme this year. Increased support for IPM approaches will also be a feature of the upcoming National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of pesticides.