The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has halted the withdrawal of a key crop protection product and saved UK swede and turnip production from extinction, the organisation announced today.

Cabbage-root-fly control Birlane 24 was set to be banned in the UK from December 31 2001, three years ahead of Europe.

But lobbying by the NFU, led by vice president Michael Paske, won an extension of use for the product under a Specific Off-Label Approval (SOLA) until July 25 2003, when its continued use will be considered at European level.

Commenting on the union's success, Paske said: 'This is extremely good news for UK growers. The withdrawal of this key product in the UK would have ended swede and turnip production in this country and handed our business to European farmers that are able to use it.' He continued: 'We are pleased that Defra has acted swiftly to prevent UK farmers being disadvantaged unfairly in this way, and by ensuring that any debate about the future use of this product is considered at European level.'

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