Syngenta requests EU to withdraw restriction on neonicotinoid technology

John Atkin, Chief Operating Officer, Syngenta.

BASEL, SWITZERLAND: Syngenta requested that the European Commission retract its proposal to restrict the use of neonicotinoid technology after revealing that the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) report on the risks to bees from their use was fundamentally flawed.

Syngenta submitted a response to the EFSA report in January 2013. This showed that EFSA failed to consider key information proving the safety of thiamethoxam seed treatment for use on crops and sunflower. Further review has now shown that EFSA based its assessment on unrealistic and excessive seed planting rates between two and four times higher than would be used under modern agricultural practice.

“The European Commission has been using this flawed EFSA report to justify proposed restrictions on this technology. These latest findings undermine the basis for such action, which would bring considerable economic harm to growers and absolutely no benefit to bees. The European Commission must halt the current process and undertake a comprehensive review to identify the true risks to bee health,” said John Atkin, Chief Operating Officer, Syngenta.

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