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NZ approach to pesticide right: Fed Farmers

Federated Farmers believes enough research will be available within two years to scientifically inform New Zealand decision-making on the future use of a class of pesticides restricted in Europe to protect bees.

The European Union's partial restriction of neonicotinoids for up to two years, starting in December, drew an angry response this week from New Zealand industry association Agcarm.

The association for companies which make and distribute crop protection and animal health products said pesticides had been blamed for a decline in bee health despite a lack of scientific proof.

Federated Farmers said New Zealand's less restrictive but cautious approach than Europe was appropriate, until a scientific consensus was reached.

Vice-president Dr William Rolleston said concerns had been raised before that the neonicotinoids could harm bees, and as result seed coating was regularly monitored in New Zealand to avoid the potential for dust production during sowing. The neonicotinoid family was mainly used on crops and as a seed treatment in New Zealand.

"While you could say New Zealand is taking a less restrictive approach, in our view, we will be better informed by research being undertaken in Europe. (This is) something we expect within the next two years, when the EU reviews the partial restriction it is imposing."

Rolleston said bee health was central to pastoral agriculture, and horticultural industries and correct applications for all insecticides and foliage sprays was needed.

He said those calling for a ban in New Zealand needed to know that neonicotinoid use in Europe had only been restricted. Even after the partial restriction began in December, European farmers could still use them with caution on pollination crops within greenhouses and in open-air fields after flowering.

"The EU's restriction of neonicotinoid as a seed treatment is one facet where the science is currently inconclusive. Federated Farmers is particularly interested on further research to rule out neonicotinoid residues being present in plant material gathered by bees."

The partial restriction came about because EU countries failed to reach majority support. This resulted in a more cautious proposal for a partial restriction while more research was undertaken.

"We feel New Zealand's less restrictive but cautious approach with neonicotinoids is appropriate, until a scientific consensus can be formed about them," said Rolleston.

Agcarm chief executive Graeme Peters said clear scientific evidence had taken a back-seat to a politically based decision on regulation, which could mean the reduction of effective crop protection products in Europe.

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