R&A Monitoring of the EU

We have received a new batch of Burson-Marsteller reports from the R&A. The reports are available here for you to download.

(These are available to members only and you need to be logged in to see this page.)

Steve Isaac of the R&A has highlighted the following points:

• Fertilisers. The B-M report indicates that the EC is developing plans for the scientific assessment of fertilisers to determine their potential impact on human health and the environment. This may, in time, result in a reduction in the type and formulation of fertilisers available to the sports turf market as we have seen with regards to pesticides.
• Pesticides. The latest information shows that turf insecticides containing neonicotinoids will be restricted from 31 December this year. I am aware of one product containing imidacloprid that falls into this category, and this is probably the only chemical we have that is effective against chafer grubs. However, treating main in-play areas on golf courses may not fall within the restrictions though, I am sure, some countries will have decided to ban them altogether. The following is taken from the EC website at http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/bees/neonicotinoids_en.htm

Main elements of the Commission's proposal to Member States:

• The proposal restricts the use of 3 neonicotinoids (clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiametoxam) for seed treatment, soil application (granules) and foliar treatment on bee attractive plants and cereals.
• In addition, the remaining authorised uses are available only to professionals.
• Exceptions will be limited to the possibility to treat bee-attractive crops in greenhouses, in open-air fields only after flowering.
• The restrictions will apply from 1 December 2013.
• As soon as new information is available, and at the latest within 2 years, the Commission will review the conditions of approval of the 3 neonicotinoids to take into account relevant scientific and technical developments.