Groups disappointed by Syngenta oilseed rape decision

The Agricultural Industries Confederation has said it is disappointed that Syngenta has withdrawn its emergency use application for Cruiser OSR on oilseed rape in the UK for this autumn.

“The move highlights how critical timing is for the seed processing sector of the agricultural supply chain,” said Paul Rooke, Head of AIC’s Seed Sector.

The result is that planting this autumn will see oilseed rape seed being drilled without the proven protection against pests that neonicotinoid products have offered in recent years.

“We hope that the Government will monitor crops during the coming season to evaluate the impact on crop growth and ultimately yield of one of the UK’s major crops,” said Mr Rooke. “As ever, AIC is committed to decisions based on sound science rather than political idealogy or public scaremongering."

Guy Smith, NFU Vice President, said: “The NFU is disappointed that Syngenta has decided to withdraw its application for the emergency use of Cruiser.


“It is very frustrating that, after the Advisory Committee on Pesticides had indicated that the conditions for approval had been met, it was not possible for a decision to be made in time for Syngenta to prepare seeds for this year’s planting.

“It is also of concern that the whole issue has been heavily politicised and manipulated with misinformation by campaign groups with their own agenda against pesticide use, without concern for the consequences for this country’s productive capacity or indeed for the potential unintended consequences for bee populations.

“This loss of this treatment will make it more complicated to grow oilseed rape this season. The NFU will closely monitor the effects with a view to supporting a further application next year.”