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06/10/2021

Breaking News: Victory in Europe - Parliament votes against the use of the toxic neonicotinoid Imidacloprid in farmed salmon!

 

 

 

 

Last night (9 June 2021), MEPs in the European Parliament voted against the use of the toxic neonicotinoid Imidacloprid in salmon farming when they supported an objection to an MRL (Maximum Residue Limit) in farmed salmon. 

 

EP vote 9 June 2021 #10 Victory

 

 

Grace O'Sullivan MEP Tweeted (10 June 2021):

 

 

 

Here's a press release from Grace O'Sullivan MEP - who led the opposition to the banned neonicotinoid (dubbed by Professor Dave Goulson of the University of Sussex as 'Novichok for insects') - issued before the European Parliament vote in the Plenary session yesterday (9 June 2021):

 

***Press Release***

 

Grace O'Sullivan MEP Calls on European Union to Ban Toxic Pesticide Use in Salmon Farming in Key Vote

 

A resolution by Green MEP for Ireland South, Grace O'Sullivan, calling on the Commission to block the use of a toxic neonicotinoid in the EU's fish farms will be voted this week by the European Parliament.

The Imidacloprid pesticide is already banned in the EU for certain agricultural uses on land, and has been linked to biodiversity loss and a decline in bee populations. There is mounting evidence that the use of this neonicotinoid has a devastating impact on rivers and waterways and its use in Japan has been linked to a dramatic collapse of fish stocks. Despite this, the European Commission is proposing to establish a Maximum Residue Level for Imidacloprid, which will clear the way for the pesticide's use in EU aquaculture as a treatment for sea lice.

Speaking prior to the vote today, Grace O'Sullivan said "We need to put a stop to the use of dangerous neonicotinoids in fish farming. We know that this chemical has devastating impacts on the environment and biodiversity. For this very reason the EU already banned its use on certain crops, a decision more recently upheld by the European Court of Justice. We won't accept the use of Imidacloprid on crops, and we won't accept it in our marine environment either."

 

The Resolution was passed by the Committee on the Environment, Food Safety and Public Health by 49 votes to 27, with two abstentions, and will be voted on by the European Parliament on Wednesday 9 June at 12:45 CET.

 

 

 



 

Don Staniford, Director of Scottish Salmon Watch, said in response to the European Parliament's objection to Imidacloprid:

 

"The use of Imidacloprid - dubbed 'Novichok for insects' - in salmon farming in Scotland is now dead in the water. Salmon farming is Scotland's 'Silent Spring of the Sea' with a lethal cocktail of toxic chemicals such as Azamethiphos, Emamectin benzoate, Deltamethrin, Hydrogen peroxide and Formaldehyde already flooding Scottish waters. The European Parliament's opposition to Imidacloprid - banned for use in terrestrial agriculture in 2018 - effectively kills any use of BMK08/Ectosan (Imidacloprid) by companies such as Mowi in Scotland as Europe is such a key market for Scottish salmon.  Serious questions must now be asked of Benchmark's lack of disclosure to investors and the stock market."

 

Don Staniford CP 2012

 

 

 



 

Here's the European Parliament's web-site detailing the text adopted today (10 June 2021):

 

EP vote 9 June 2021 #25 EP text

 

 

Download the text in full as a PDF online here

 

EP vote 9 June 2021 #26

 

 

 

 

Scottish Salmon Watch wrote this morning to the London Stock Exchange (where Benchmark is floated) and the Financial Conduct Authority:

 

From: Don Staniford <salmonfarmingkills@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Jun 10, 2021 at 9:17 AM
Subject: EP votes against MRL for Imidacloprid (BMK08) in farmed salmon - Benchmark loses access to key market
To: Customer Contact Centre <consumer.queries@fca.org.uk>, AIM Regulation <aimregulation@lseg.com>
Cc: <info@benchmarkplc.com>, Rachel Aninakwah <rachel.aninakwah@bmkholdings.com>

Surely Benchmark (copied in here) must now disclose to investors how their BMK08 (Imidacloprid) is now dead in the water for use in farmed salmon destined for Europe (a significant market)?

 
 
 
EP vote 9 June 2021 #11 Victory Tweet
 
 
 
 
Thanks,
 
Don
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
Scottish Salmon Watch wrote to the London Stock Exchange and the Financial Conduct Authority last month:
 
 
From: Don Staniford <salmonfarmingkills@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, May 29, 2021 at 12:38 PM
Subject: Misleading financial starements by Benchmark re. BMK08 (Imidacloprid)
To: <newsroom@lseg.com>, <firm.queries@fca.org.uk>
Cc: Rachel Aninakwah <rachel.aninakwah@bmkholdings.com>, <info@benchmarkplc.com>, <benchmark@mhpc.com>
 
Please consider this a formal complaint against Benchmark (copied in here) for misleading statements and the omission of crucial market information regarding BMK08/Ectosan (the banned neonicotinoid Imidacloprid - described in an article published this week by the Guardian as 'Novichok for insects'). 
 
Scottish Salmon Watch honestly believes that Benchmark is guilty of misrepresentation and non-disclosure in relation to BMK08/Ectosan.  Benchmark has patently failed to inform shareholders, investors, the public, the stock exchange and the media that BMK08/Ectosan is in fact the banned neonicotinoid Imidacloprid.
 
For example:
 
- Benchmark's main web-page omits to mention the fact that BMK08 is imidacloprid:
 
- When Benchmark first marketed Imidacloprid in December 2017 it was hidden behind the trade name Ectosan with the claim that it had "no environmental impact":
 
- In November 2019, Benchmark re-named Ectosan as BMK08 but still failed to disclose the fact that it was the banned neonicotinoid Imidacloprid and claiming that it had "zero environmental impact" with regulatory approval expected in late 2020:
 
- On 17 March 2020, Scottish Salmon Watch and The Ferret publicly reported for the first time that BMK08/Ectosan was Imidacloprid:
 
- On 20 March 2020, Benchmark first disclosed that BMK08 was Imidacloprid (this appears to be the only time and public statement from Benchmark admitting that Ectosan/BMK08 was Imidacloprid):
 
- Financial updates by Benchmark have failed to disclose the fact that BMK08 is Imidacloprid:
 
- Financial reports - quarterly and annual - have failed to mention the fact that BMK08/Ectosan is Imidacloprid:
 
- A regulatory update by Benchmark in September 2020 failed to disclose the fact that BMK08 is Imidacloprid and claimed that the banned neonicotinoid was "safe to use":
 
- A regulatory update by Benchmark in March 2021 failed to disclose BMK08 was Imidacloprid suggesting that the product was environmentally friendly and sustainable:
 
- A regulatory update by Benchmark in April 2021 not only failed to disclose BMK08 as Imidacloprid but wrongly stated that an MRL "has now been ratified under EU law":
 
 
Scottish Salmon Watch therefore questions whether Benchmark has breached any financial reporting and disclosure requirements. 
 
Certainly, Scottish Salmon Watch believes that Benchmark misled the financial market - including the London Stock Exchange - in a press release issued on 16 April 2021 (see enclosed below along with an email to Benchmark).
 
Furthermore, Benchmark has failed to notify investors that Imidacloprid was banned in 2018 and earlier this month had appeal by Bayer knocked back: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-top-court-upholds-eu-ban-bayer-pesticides-linked-harming-bees-2021-05-06/
 
Just yesterday the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety voted in support of a motion objecting to an MRL for the use of Imidacloprid in salmon farming with a vote expected in the European Parliament's plenary next month:
https://donstaniford.typepad.com/my-blog/2021/05/wave-of-european-opposition-to-benchmarks-imidacloprid-bmk08-the-tide-turns-against-neonicotinoids-i.html
 
The motion - led by Grace O'Sullivan MEP - presented the scientific case against Imidacloprid:
 
If, as expected, the European Parliament and European Commission outlaw the use of Imidacloprid in salmon farming then the financial impact on Benchmark will be crippling and may blow BMK08 out of the water completely not only in Scotland but also in Norway, Chile and Canada. 
 
It is certainly too early to claim, as Benchmark did last month to investors, that BMK08 had already been "ratified by EU law".   Indeed, it is a very real prospect that BMK08 (Imidacloprid) will be outlawed by the EU and banned for use in salmon farming as it is already for terrestrial agriculture.
 
Meanwhile, Benchmark continues to mislead investors and the media that BMK08 is close to commercial launch (again failing to disclose the alarming fact that BMK08 is the banned neonicotinoid Imidacloprid and public opposition to neonicotinoids is growing):
 
 
Scottish Salmon Watch has published extensively on this issue and has included information in a blog published today via:
 
 
We invite Benchmark - copied in here - to explain why they have misled the financial community and to come clean on their planned use of a banned neonicotinoid which is clearly neither an environmentally friendly option nor a palatable prospect for the public. 
 
Finally, we invite the financial community to investigate whether Benchmark is guilty of non-disclosure and deceptive financial statements.
 
Further information on this controversial and toxic issue is available via:
 

European Opposition to Neonicotinoid Contamination of Farmed Salmon - is BMK08 (Imidacloprid) dead in the water?

The Guardian: "‘Novichok for insects’ may be approved for Scottish fish farms"

Who are the toxic team lurking behind Benchmark's BMK08 (Imidacloprid) in Scottish salmon pharming?

The Ferret: "Bee-killing pesticide treatment for fish farms backed by Scottish Government"

Cleaning Tox-Sick Scottish Salmon - Benchmark's magic trick making the banned neonicotinoid Imidacloprid disappear!

Rumsfeldian Fish Philosophy - Things We Know We Know, Things We Now Know We Don't Know & Things We Don't Know We Don't Know About 'Scottish' Salmon!

SEPA ordered by Commissioner to Disclose 'Commercially Confidential' Information on CleanTreat & BMK08 (Imidacloprid) by 7 June

Warning: Neonicotinoid Imidacloprid Use in Salmon Farming "Clears Another Hurdle" With European MRL

Warning: Imidacloprid Moves A Step Closer to Commercial Use in Salmon Farming

Nasty Neonicotinoid Plagues Salmon Farming in 2021

Toxic Neonicotinoid "Close to Commercial Launch" in Salmon Farming!

New Science Dogs Approval of Neonicotinoid Imidacloprid for Scottish Salmon!

Imidacloprid Use in Scottish Salmon Farming?

Secret Salmon - On the Trail of Imidacloprid Use in Scotland!

British Wildlife: "Neonics in Salmon Farming - Alarm Bells Are Ringing"

Caveat Chile - toxic neonicotinoid Imidacloprid (BMK08) coming soon!

Toxic Politics - Meet the Scottish Government's Minister for Sinister Chemicals

Imidacloprid Licensed for Use by Mowi in Loch Ailort?

Further Scientific Opposition to Imidacloprid Use in Salmon Farming

Patent lifts lid on neonicotinoid use in salmon farming

Horrible History: Imidacloprid Use in Salmon Farming

Scientific Opposition to Neonicotinoid Use in Salmon Farming

Backgrounder: "Imidacloprid - A Neonicotinoid Insecticide Toxic to Aquatic Life"

BBC Farming Today on "Neonicotinoids in Salmon Farming"

Sunday Times: "Outlawed insecticide may be used on Scottish salmon"

FOI letter on Scientific Concerns re. Imidacloprid Use in Scottish Salmon Farming

Scottish Greens "Deeply Concerned" at Mowi's Field Trial of Neonicotinoid Imidacloprid in Loch Ailort

Letter to the Prince of Wales re. bee-killing Imidacloprid use at royal warrant holder Mowi

Secret Trials: 'Royal' Salmon Doused with Bee-Killing Insecticide Imidacloprid?

Follow the Salmoney - the Norwegian tobacco billionaire behind the Neonicotinoid Imidacloprid

ENDS Report: "Calls for greater transparency over ‘toxic’ new fish farm product"

Letter to SEPA: Please Come Clean on Imidacloprid!

Letter to Scottish Ministers, SEPA & the VMD re. Imidacloprid

FOI requests on Imidacloprid to SEPA, VMD & the Scottish Government

Revealed: Toxic Neonicotinoid Insecticide Used to 'CleanTreat' Lousy Salmon

Please Come Clean on BMK08!

Sunday Times: "Official fears revealed over toxic threat of salmon trade"

Cleaning Tox-Sick Scottish Salmon

CleanTreat FOI Disclosures by the Scottish Government to Scottish Salmon Watch

Media Backgrounder: Chemically Embalmed Scottish Salmon

All is Not Well With Sick Scottish Salmon

 
Thanks,
 
Don Staniford
 
Director, Scottish Salmon Watch
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Scottish Salmon Watch reported last month (29 May 2021):
 



 
 

The Guardian reported (27 May 2021):

 

Guardian Novichok 27 May 2021 #1

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Scottish Salmon Watch reported (21 May 2021):
 
 

 
 

 
 
 

 

 
 
 

In April 2021, Scottish Salmon Watch wrote to Benchmark questioning the accuracy of the claim that BMK08 (Imidacloprid) had been "ratified under EU law".

 

From: Don Staniford <salmonfarmingkills@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Apr 19, 2021 at 9:44 AM
Subject: Imidacloprid MRL "ratified under EU Law"
To: Rachel Aninakwah <rachel.aninakwah@bmkholdings.com>
 
Rachel,
 
Could you please clarify your claim in Benchmark's press release on Friday (see below)?
 
Namely:
 
"Benchmark Holdings is pleased to announce that the MRL (Maximum Residue Limit) for its novel sea lice treatment BMK08 has now been ratified under European Law".
 
 
How and where has an MRL for Imidacloprid (BMK08) "now been ratified under European Law"?
 
Please provide the documentation to corroborate this claim.
 
Scottish Salmon Watch understands from dialogue with a contact in Brussels that Benchmark has jumped the gun on this one and your claim is incorrect. 
 
Clarification by the end of the day would therefore be much appreciated.
 
You could also reply to this Tweet: https://twitter.com/TheGAAIA/status/1384065096704425986
 
Thanks,
 
Don
 
 
From: Don Staniford <salmonfarmingkills@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Apr 19, 2021 at 9:44 AM
Subject: Imidacloprid MRL "ratified under EU Law"
To: Rachel Aninakwah <rachel.aninakwah@bmkholdings.com>


Rachel,
 
Could you please clarify your claim in Benchmark's press release on Friday (see below)?
 
Namely:
 
"Benchmark Holdings is pleased to announce that the MRL (Maximum Residue Limit) for its novel sea lice treatment BMK08 has now been ratified under European Law".
 
 
How and where has an MRL for Imidacloprid (BMK08) "now been ratified under European Law"?
 
Please provide the documentation to corroborate this claim.
 
Scottish Salmon Watch understands from dialogue with a contact in Brussels that Benchmark has jumped the gun on this one and your claim is incorrect. 
 
Clarification by the end of the day would therefore be much appreciated.
 
You could also reply to this Tweet: https://twitter.com/TheGAAIA/status/1384065096704425986
 
Thanks,
 
Don
 
 
 
From: Benchmark Holdings <mailservice@euroland.com>
Date: Fri, 16 Apr 2021 at 11:04
Subject: Benchmark Holdings - BMK08+CleanTreat Update
To:
RNS Number : 7421V
Benchmark Holdings PLC
16 April 2021
 

16 April 2021

Benchmark Holdings

("Benchmark" or the "Company")

BMK08+CleanTreatÒ Update

Ratification of Maximum Residue Limit under European Law

Significant milestone towards the commercialisation of BMK08 and CleanTreatÒ

Further to the notification made on 10 September 2020, Benchmark Holdings is pleased to announce that the MRL (Maximum Residue Limit) for its novel sea lice treatment BMK08 has now been ratified under European Law. The MRL confirms the safety of Benchmark's sea lice solution for consumers and represents a significant milestone in the regulatory approval process towards the anticipated commercial launch of BMK08 and CleanTreatÒ in Norway. The commercial launch remains subject to the grant of a Marketing Authorisation in Norway.  

BMK08 and CleanTreatÒ is a transformational solution addressing the biggest biological challenge in salmon farming. The MRL EU ratification is the culmination of almost a decade of research and development, a rigorous trial programme and substantial capital investment by Benchmark.  

Trond Williksen, CEO, commented:

"The ratification of the MRL is a further stepping stone towards commercialisation following the announcement of our first customer agreements for CleanTreatâ  announced in March.

Sea lice continues to be the biggest biological challenge for salmon producers and Benchmark's novel solution addresses this challenge in a sustainable way both in terms of animal welfare and environmental impact."

Enquiries:

Benchmark Holdings plc

Tel: 020 3696 0630

Ivonne Cantu, Investor Relations Director

  

Rachel Aninakwah, Communications

  
   

Numis (Broker and NOMAD)

Tel: 020 7260 1000

James Black / Freddie Barnfield / Duncan Monteith

  
   

MHP

  

Katie Hunt /Alistair de Kare-Silver     

Tel: 020 3128 8742                           

benchmark@mhpc.com

 

 

 

 

 

Reuters reported last month (6 May 2021):

 

Reuters May 2021 #1

Reuters May 2021 #2

 

 

In March 2020, Scottish Salmon Watch and The Ferret revealed that BMk08 (formerly marketed by Benchmark as 'Ectosan') was the banned neonicotinoid Imidacloprid.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Imidacloprid was marketed as D10 Aquatic Blast in 2014. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then in 2017, Benchmark promoted Imidacloprid as Ectosan (without telling investors or the public that it was 'Novichok for insects') before rebranding it as BMK08 in 2019.   Read more about the 'horrible history' online here

 

 

Imidacloprid Horrible History June 2020 #1

Imidacloprid Horrible History June 2020 #2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In May 2020, Scottish Salmon Watch revealed that Mowi had lobbied the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to support a field trial of Imidacloprid (Ectosan) in Loch Ailort. 

 

 

 

 

In April 2021, Scottish Salmon Watch warned: 

 

 

 

 

Read more via:

 
 

Posted at 09:25 AM |

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