Written question asked by John McNally (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 17 May 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 May 2023. It was answered by Mark Spencer (Conservative) on Wednesday, 24 May 2023 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Maize: Imports

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of stopping the importation of forage maize seed treated with bird repellent and fungicide on domestic production of forage maize for (a) the livestock industry, (b) the dairy industry and (c) the anaerobic digestion industry.

Answer: From 1 January 2024, treated seeds can only be used if they are treated with Plant Protection Products authorised in GB. After we left the EU, transitional arrangements were put in place so that seeds treated with products authorised for use in the EU but not GB could continue to be imported, marketed and used. These arrangements come to an end on 31 December 2023. Industry has had the opportunity over the last 3 years to apply for the relevant GB authorisations, HSE has highlighted the actions that they need to take.

Secondary information