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UK maize production can continue as usual after the Government extended regulations regarding seeds treated with plant protection products (PPP).

In what the NFU described as an 'eleventh-hour reprieve,' Farm Minister Mark Spencer announced plans in Parliament for a temporary measure to allow UK growers to use PPP-treated seeds until July 1, 2027.

The Government also said it would also reinstate trade permits for importing PPPs authorised in the UK for up to two years.

"The Government recognises the challenges faced by farmers and growers in importing treated seeds and more cost-effective pesticide products from the EU as the transition period concludes," Mr Spencer said.

"Ensuring British farmers and growers have access to the tools they need to produce food sustainably and affordably is a priority. The measures will address the potential impacts and concerns raised by our valued farming sector."

Industry bodies had warned that without the extension UK maize production in particular would be under threat, as it would have been illegal to import, sell or sow anything treated with three widely-used seed dressings.

The change has come about through post-Brexit transition rules which state that as of 2024 all pesticides used in the UK must be approved on the UK register, regardless of whether they were approved in the EU.

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NFU combinable crops board chairman Matt Culley said the extension, which would allow growers to continue to use seed treated with Korit (ziram) bird deterrent, Redigo M (prothioconazole + metalaxyl) fungicide and Force (telfluthrin) insecticide, was a welcome reprieve.

"The industry has worked hard together to lobby ministers to put the facts in front of them to show them what it would mean if growers didn't have access to these products," he said.

"It's the right outcome, even if it's gone to the eleventh hour. Now we need to know the industry knows about the decision and has confidence in what the minister has said."

With the extension granted until 2027, Mr Culley said it was important that whichever party was next in government spent the intervening period committing to an evidence-based registration process for active ingredients.

"We are not a member state and cannot rely on member state rules and EU legislation, so it is really important UK growers know where they are.

Action

"There needs to be something in the National Action Plan about a course of action for proper registration, and industry needs to be involved in this process because we are stronger when we work together.

"We will be talking with industry stakeholders to make sure we have the availability to products that our neighbours and competitors have so we can compete on the world markets."

The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC), which had lobbied ministers along with the NFU and other industry bodies, said it was pleased supplies could continue without disruption.

"Once passed, this will give much-needed confidence to seed importers, distributors and their farming customers to plan ahead for the 2024 season and beyond," said Hazel Doonan, AIC's head of crop protection and agronomy.