pesticides

Defra unveils target to reduce environmental damage from pesticides

Biodiversity

Defra unveils target to reduce environmental damage from pesticides

New UK National Action Plan on Pesticides includes UK-wide goal to reduce environmental risk from pesticides by 10 per cent by 2030

clock 21 March 2025 • 4 min read
Defra rejects farmers' bid for emergency use of bee-killing pesticide

Biodiversity

Defra rejects farmers' bid for emergency use of bee-killing pesticide

Government bans emergency use of pesticide containing neonicotinoid Cruiser SB, but growers warn move exposes UK sugar beet crops to pests and disease

clock 24 January 2025 • 5 min read
Government plots path towards 'complete' UK ban on bee-killing pesticides

Biodiversity

Government plots path towards 'complete' UK ban on bee-killing pesticides

Blanket ban to be imposed on three specific neonicotinoids in the UK to help protect pollinators estimated to support £500m in annual economic benefits

clock 21 December 2024 • 5 min read
MPs urge government to address food security threat from insect decline

Biodiversity

MPs urge government to address food security threat from insect decline

Science, Innovation, and Technology Committee issues 'clarion call' for government to tackle knowledge gaps around insect decline and pesticide use

clock 07 March 2024 • 4 min read
Global Briefing: Generation starts at 'world's largest' renewable energy park

Solar

Global Briefing: Generation starts at 'world's largest' renewable energy park

Giant Khavda renewables projects comes online in India, Switzerland calls for UN group for solar geo-engineering, and Google and HSBC team up for clean tech drive

clock 16 February 2024 • 7 min read
Pesticides: Why investors must sow the seeds of change

Biodiversity

Pesticides: Why investors must sow the seeds of change

Investors have a responsibility to ensure future generations are left with a planet rich in biodiversity, argues ShareAction's Eve Gleeson

clock 28 March 2023 • 5 min read
Over 20 vertical farming firms launch first sustainability manifesto

Technology

Over 20 vertical farming firms launch first sustainability manifesto

Firms backing the Vertical Farming Manifesto and Identity Statement promise to set industry-wide sustainability standards

clock 21 September 2022 • 4 min read

Policy

Wildlife Trusts consider legal challenge against Defra authorisation of neonicotinoids

The Wildlife Trusts are exploring whether a 2018 decision from the UK Expert Committee on Pesticides could enable a legal challenge

clock 27 January 2021 • 3 min read

Policy

'Environmentally regressive': UK government approves use of bee-harming pesticide banned in EU

Decision to temporarily lift restrictions of neonicotinoid insecticide on sugar beet crops prompts outcry from public and conservation groups

clock 11 January 2021 • 4 min read

Policy

Agriculture Bill 'on track', but Green Brexit plans face fresh challenges

Agriculture Bill takes a step forward, as a reports emerge of row between Holyrood and Westminster over the government's post-Brexit plans for environmental and food standards

clock 08 July 2020 • 5 min read