Neonicotinoid seed treatment on sugar beet in England: a qualitative analysis of the controversy, existing policy and viability of alternatives.

In 2021, the United Kingdom Government granted the possibility of an emergency derogation for the use of the neonicotinoid seed treatment, thiamethoxam, on sugar beet in England. This was met with heavy criticism and controversy due to the body of evidence demonstrating toxicity of the insecticide to non-target species, particularly pollinators. However, many viewed this decision to be reasonable in this system, as sugar beet is a non-flowering crop, and derogations were only implemented if a set of conditions, including viral risk, were met.