The outdoor use of metaldehyde on farms and in gardens is to be banned.
UK Farming Minister, Victoria Prentis, said the pesticide, which is used to control slugs, will be banned for use outdoors in Great Britain from the end of March 2022.
It will be illegal to sell metaldehyde products after March 31, 2021, and growers will be given a further 12 months to use the products before they are banned.
“The scientific evidence is clear – the risks metaldehyde poses to the environment and to wildlife are too great,” said Ms Prentis.
“The government is committed to building back greener from Coronavirus and the restrictions on the use of metaldehyde are another step towards building a cleaner and greener country for the next generation.”
The decision follows advice from the UK Expert Committee on Pesticides and the Health and Safety Executive.
