Unfortunately, previously banned neonicotinoid pesticides are back on the menu in British farming. The UK government have regressed on this EU-wide ban in granting an emergency use of sugar beet seed treated by the pesticide. https://wickedleeks.riverford.co.uk/news/farming-biodiversity/neonics-back-menu

The situation isn't as black and white as it seems, as you can read on @wickedleeksmag, & it would be a real shame if the UK sugar industry was lost, but ultimately climate change is the issue here & we must not turn to harmful chemicals when things get worse.

The use of neonics in this instance is a temporary fix, but not the answer to the problems all farmers are increasingly going to face due to climate change. The answer lies in more regenerative farming to restore balance.

We're thankful this news came while the @ORFC conference was running, which offered a lot of hope during bleak times. We've heard from so many inspiring producers who're really striving towards a sustainable British farming future which is in tune with nature. It can be done!