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Thiamethoxam, which belongs to a group of pesticides known as neonicotinoids, is an ingredient in Syngenta’s Cruiser seed treatments. In April, 15 EU member states voted to enact a two-year ban on the use of three neonicotinoids, including thiamethoxam, unless scientific evidence emerged to show that the chemicals were safe.
However, Syngenta claims that the commission took the decision on the basis of a flawed process and an inaccurate and incomplete assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and without the full support of EU member states.
“Since the EU suspension of thiamethoxam was announced, farmers and farmer organisations have expressed great concern that an extremely effective, low dose product will not be available to them and will have to be replaced by much less sustainable alternatives. Modern products like thiamethoxam are essential to address the challenge of increasing European food production and reducing the reliance on imports.”
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