Syngenta has withdrawn its controversial application to use a banned pesticide in the UK. The decision by global agribusiness follows campaigners warning that the chemical could have a devastating impact on threatened bee populations.

The pesticide is a type of neonicotinoid – a class of pesticides banned across the European Union for two years from December 2013.

Though they are prohibited for their impact on essential pollinator species, including shrinking bee populations, the UK can allow the use of neonicotinoids in “emergency circumstances.” Therefore, Syngenta applied for an exemption to use neonicotinoids on oilseed rape across the UK – claiming it was the only way to protect 186,000 hectares of crops. The firm said it was now too late to supply the pesticide to British farmers for this year’s crops, but said they would apply for another emergency exemption in 2015.

The Soil Associate was pleased at the news. Emma Hockridge, Soil Association head of policy said: “We are delighted that Syngenta has withdrawn its application to be allowed to use one of the banned neonicotinoids which have been shown to negatively impact bees and other pollinators.

“This is a victory for pollinators and for science – there was no good reason for allowing this derogation and the impact could have been catastrophic. A global assessment on systemic pesticides recently highlighted 800 peer reviewed studies which highlights the risks to birds, earthworms and other pollinators as well as bees.”

The NFU expressed dismay at the decision to withdraw. Guy Smith, NFU Vice President, said: “The NFU is disappointed that Syngenta has decided to withdraw its application for the emergency use of Cruiser.

“It is very frustrating that, after the Advisory Committee on Pesticides had indicated that the conditions for approval had been met, it was not possible for a decision to be made in time for Syngenta to prepare seeds for this year’s planting.

“This loss of this treatment will make it more complicated to grow oilseed rape this season. The NFU will closely monitor the effects with a view to supporting a further application next year.”