Waitrose says it will ban all of its suppliers from using neonicotinoids on fresh produce that will end up in its supermarkets.
The upmarket retailer has told all of its growers of fruit, vegetables and flowers to stop using the controversial pesticide by the end of 2014.
However, Waitrose said the restriction could be lifted if satisfactory evidence was to prove that the pesticide didn't have a negative impact on pollinators.
A spokesperson said: 'This is a precautionary measure and will remain in place until scientists can demonstrate conclusively whether or not the formulations are adversely affecting populations of pollinator insects.'
The debate over neonicotinoidsis continuing to heat up with DEFRA dismissing their threat despite the UK Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) last week urging a ban. The ECrecently appealed a decision to not ban the pesticides, which have been dubbed 'harmful to the health of bees', with a final decision expected in July.
The three neonicotinoids -imidacloprid,clothianidinandthiamethoxam - facing an EC ban are supplied by chemical giants Syngenta UK and Bayer CropScience.
'We believe our decision on the three neonicotinoidsis appropriate until sufficient evidence is put forward about the effects of these chemicals,' said WaitroseMD Mark Price.
Price says the retailer will fund a 'significant' research project in co-ordination with the University of Exeter, which will look into the effects on pollinators of multiple pesticide use with the results of the three year programme determining how Waitrose will develop alternative methods of pest control in the future.
Waitrose director of quality and technical, David Croft, said: “We have been looking at pollinator health for some time in close collaboration with our fresh produce suppliers. Given the concern about these pesticides and the need to support pollinators we believe this is a responsible precautionary step as part of a wider, holistic approach under our seven point plan.
“The role of pollinating insects such as bees as crucial in sustaining agriculture in the long term, as part of a thriving ecosystem that will support food security, healthy diets and the wider agricultural economy.”
