Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Second Report - Insect decline and UK food security
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
HC 326
Published 7 March 2024
Recommendations
3
Accepted
Para 36
Establish a clear, long-term strategy for sustained insect monitoring research and funding.
Recommendation
The Government and its agencies like UKRI should produce a clear strategy for sustaining long-term insect monitoring research. This involves not only maintaining existing projects but also initiating new studies that can address insect data gaps. Funders should commit to …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees on the importance of long-term monitoring and states that the existing National Pollinator Strategy already includes commitments to strengthen the evidence base. It details established long-term monitoring programmes like PoMS and UKBMS, which incorporate volunteer data, thereby indicating that it is already acting on the recommendation.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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4
Accepted
Para 41
Effective communication about insect decline requires focusing on solutions, not fatalism.
Recommendation
Effective communication of the reality of insect decline needs to be accompanied by communication of actions that can address it. A fatalistic approach risks reducing the chances of changes being made to policy, behaviour and practices that can make a …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees on the importance of communicating insect decline and details several existing initiatives, such as Bees' Needs Week, Champions Awards, and the Pollinator Monitoring and Research Partnership, that already focus on public engagement and communicating actionable steps.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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5
Accepted
Highlight reality of insect decline and actionable steps to tackle it.
Recommendation
The Government and its agencies should consider ways in which to communicate not only the reality of insect decline but also the attainable steps that can be taken to tackle it. (Paragraph 42) The importance of insects for UK Food Security
Government Response Summary
The government agrees on the essential role of communication and states it is already working to effectively communicate about insect decline. It cites existing initiatives like Bees’ Needs Week, Bees’ Needs Champions Awards, the Pollinator Advisory Steering Group, and annual data publication from the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme as examples of current efforts to raise awareness and provide actionable steps.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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7
Acknowledged
Create a National Invertebrate Strategy with five-yearly implementation plans and accountability targets.
Recommendation
We commend the success of the National Pollinator Strategy and eagerly await the 2025–2035 update that we expect to be published by September 2024. There is scope to build on the work of the strategy by creating a complementary ‘National …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees on the importance of invertebrates and states that provisions will be included in new Environmental Land Management schemes and existing Environment Act targets will deliver benefits. However, it does not commit to creating a new, dedicated 'National Invertebrate Strategy' with an implementation plan and accountability targets as recommended, instead focusing on current reviews of the Pollinator Strategy and existing frameworks.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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8
Accepted
Para 59
Advocate for and address international issues of insect decline affecting global food security.
Recommendation
The United Kingdom relies significantly on the global production of various horticultural crops, including fruits and salad vegetables. These imported foods may be subject to vulnerabilities, such as wars, which can see significant price increases. Approximately 50% of the food …
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Government Response Summary
The government fully acknowledges the importance of international collaboration and states that the UK already advocates for global efforts to address insect decline and food security in various international forums. It provides examples of existing international agreements and frameworks, such as the Global Framework on Chemicals and the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, as evidence of ongoing work.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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10
Rejected
Para 73
Expand National Bee Unit remit to focus on wild bee health and hive impact guidance.
Recommendation
Defra should expand the remit of the National Bee Unit, to include a focus on wild bee health. This should include both developing internal expertise and fostering collaboration with entomology experts and producing biennial reports, as part of the National …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejects expanding the National Bee Unit's remit to include wild bee health, stating it would require significant legislative changes as the NBU's statutory role is specific to honey bee diseases. However, it notes that the NBU published a map in 2023 allowing beekeepers to assess hive density, which partially addresses the request for guidance on over-densification.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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11
Accepted
Para 86
Early education is crucial for fostering public passion in entomology and countering aversion.
Recommendation
Raising awareness of the importance of various insect species must be nurtured early to avoid the aversion that many people have to insects. The scarcity of experts, both professional and amateur, underscores the importance of cultivating a greater public passion …
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Government Response Summary
Defra agrees that communicating the reality of insect decline is essential for tackling it and they are already working to address and communicate effectively about the decline in insect populations including Bees' Needs Week and Bees' Needs Champions Awards.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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12
Accepted
Para 87
Facilitate nationwide access to external insect teaching resources and diverse entomology career pathways.
Recommendation
In its response to this report, the Government should set out how it intends to facilitate nationwide access to external teaching resources offered by public bodies. This access, available through online platforms and educational visits, can significantly enhance the educational …
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Government Response Summary
The government points to the existing Oak National Academy for educational resources and the National Careers Service for career advice, including relevant role profiles. It also states it will publish a Green Jobs Plan in 2024 and that IfATE is liaising with CIEEM to consider a non-degree pathway into Ecology, indicating ongoing work rather than new immediate commitments.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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14
Accepted
Para 89
Promote access to the new Natural History GCSE, focusing on disadvantaged schools.
Recommendation
The Government should ensure that it promotes access to the new Natural History GCSE when it is launched, with particular focus on schools that may not currently have easy access to the natural environment.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the recommendation, stating the Department for Education is developing the Natural History GCSE content and actively engaging with stakeholders to encourage schools to deliver it, with the intention of appealing to students from diverse backgrounds.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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16
Accepted in Part
Implement strategies to enhance inclusivity in citizen science projects for urban and disadvantaged groups.
Recommendation
Citizen science projects, especially those supported by public funding, should implement strategies to enhance inclusivity, ensuring the involvement of people from urban and disadvantaged backgrounds. This broader participation not only facilitates the collection of data from areas such as urban …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees on the importance of inclusivity and highlights existing employer-led initiatives and the Green Jobs Delivery Group. It also announced £2.5m in new funding to connect disadvantaged young people with nature and an ongoing £16m Access for All programme aimed at making green spaces more inclusive, partially addressing the call for enhanced inclusivity in citizen science.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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18
Accepted
Para 116
ELMS implementation requires continuous monitoring and adaptation to ensure positive environmental outcomes.
Recommendation
Evidence from this Inquiry supports the conclusions from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee that the impact of Environment Land Management Schemes (ELMS) should be monitored and adapted as needed throughout its implementation, to gain the benefit of an …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that it already has an established monitoring and evaluation strategy for the Farming and Countryside Programme schemes, including ELMS, which covers species populations and is subject to ongoing adaptation and regular reporting on Gov.uk.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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19
Accepted
Establish a monitoring and evaluation programme for ELMS, including insect abundance data.
Recommendation
The Government, in response to this report, should outline its plans to establish a monitoring and evaluation programme for ELMS. Such a programme should incorporate mechanisms to feed data on specific outcomes—such as insect abundance— back into long-term monitoring programmes. …
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Government Response Summary
The government states it already has an established monitoring and evaluation strategy for ELMS, which includes monitoring insect abundance, and that it already publishes regular updates and reports on Gov.uk.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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20
Accepted
Para 117
Publish annual reports detailing ELMS uptake, actions, farmer feedback and insect impacts.
Recommendation
ELMS uptake levels, including a breakdown for each standard within the Sustainable Farming Incentive and how the schemes are combined by participants; a) implemented actions following scheme uptake; b) the influence of farmers’ feedback on ELMS development; and c) the …
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Government Response Summary
Defra states it already posts regular updates on ELMS monitoring and evaluation, including impacts on species and scheme uptake, and will continue to publish these reports on Gov.uk as part of an established strategy.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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22
Accepted
Para 136
Extend IPM advisory networks and incorporate new technologies into ELMS for farmers.
Recommendation
We support the work of the Voluntary Initiative in disseminating advice to farmers on implementing Integrated Pest Management strategies. However, there is scope to extend the scheme to incorporate a peer-to-peer advisory network to provide farmers with access to a …
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Government Response Summary
Defra agrees with the importance of IPM and commits to setting out policies for increased uptake in the National Action Plan, working with the Voluntary Initiative, and funding research and development of new IPM technologies. The government is also incorporating paid IPM actions into the Sustainable Farming Incentives scheme (part of ELMS), with a project aiming to create a peer-to-peer network.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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24
Rejected
Para 144
Revise Red List and indicators to include more invertebrate species and publish a Baseline List.
Recommendation
Revised versions of Natural England’s ‘Red List’ and the ‘biodiversity indicators’ used to measure changes in abundance should include a minimum of one species per family, which would result in a significant increase in invertebrate representation. In response to this …
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Government Response Summary
Defra acknowledges the recommendation but rejects the proposal to include a minimum of one species per family in biodiversity indicators as unachievable due to data limitations, and deems a new parallel 'Baseline List' inadvisable due to unreliable data, while continuing to assess indicator improvements and review new data.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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26
Accepted in Part
Para 154
Invest in monitoring landscapes surrounding protected areas and include data in SSSI assessments.
Recommendation
The Government should invest in the monitoring of landscapes surrounding protected areas to collect evidence on how these areas impact the quality of protected sites. This data should be included in the Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) condition assessments. …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that SSSI condition assessments already capture offsite pressures and highlights interim targets for SSSIs by 2028. They are also developing new tools like Protected Site Strategies and Local Nature Recovery Strategies, which will address and mitigate external influences on SSSI conditions.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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28
Rejected
Para 174
Publish National Action Plan for Sustainable Pesticide Use no later than May 2024.
Recommendation
We echo the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee’s recommendation that the Government should publish the National Action Plan for Sustainable Pesticide Use no later than May 2024.
Government Response Summary
The government states it is working on publishing the National Action Plan but implicitly rejects the May 2024 deadline, citing the wide-ranging and complex nature of the work and extensive consultation responses as reasons for the delay, while highlighting other ongoing pest management initiatives.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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30
Acknowledged
Para 176
Outline incorporation of terrestrial monitoring proposals and increase pesticide usage survey respondents.
Recommendation
The Government should outline how the ‘Proposals for Terrestrial Environmental Monitoring of Plant Protectant Products’ will be incorporated into the National Action Plan for Sustainable Pesticide Use. Furthermore, the Government should consider how it could use its powers to increase …
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Government Response Summary
Defra states it already supports recommendations from the 'Proposals for Terrestrial Environmental Monitoring' report and is working with the regulator to identify improvements for the Pesticide Usage Survey, but does not explicitly outline how the proposals will be incorporated into the National Action Plan.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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32
Not Addressed
Include targets for reducing urban/suburban pesticide use and stimulate phasing down in horticulture.
Recommendation
The updated National Action Plan for Sustainable Pesticide Usage should include targets for reducing pesticide use in urban and suburban areas and to improve best practice for use by amateurs. The Government should work with stakeholders such as the Royal …
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Government Response Summary
The government states it has commissioned research into integrated pest management for the amenity sector and is considering options for improving data collection in both amateur and amenity sectors, but does not commit to including targets for pesticide reduction in the National Action Plan or stimulating the phasing down of pesticide use.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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34
Acknowledged
Adopt evidence-based pesticide legislation to expedite approval for innovative, targeted alternatives.
Recommendation
The Government should adopt an evidence-based strategy in formulating pesticide legislation, promoting the development of new plant pesticides with heightened target specificity. This approach would aim to mitigate the dual risks of pest resistance development and adverse off-target effects on …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the recommendation, reiterating its priority for pesticide safety and its existing science-based regulatory regime, including ongoing monitoring through the H4 indicator program. While it notes advances in targeted application technologies, it does not outline specific new commitments or expedited processes for developing or regulating innovative pesticide alternatives like biopesticides or mRNA technologies.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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Conclusions (14)
1
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 34
During this Inquiry it has become evident that substantial knowledge gaps persist in our understanding of insect populations. Despite the UK being a leader in this field of research, there remains a scarcity of comprehensive and comparable data which poses a significant challenge in accurately assessing the extent and underlying …
Government Response Summary
Defra agrees that long-term monitoring is crucial for understanding insect populations, noting that strengthening the evidence base is a priority of the National Pollinator Strategy. The response outlines existing initiatives like the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (PoMS) and the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS) which contribute to addressing these knowledge gaps.
2
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 35
The lack of long-term monitoring programmes for many insect species, and inconsistent data collection methods, hampers the ability to discern trends over time.
Government Response Summary
Defra agrees on the importance of long-term monitoring and states it is a priority in the National Pollinator Strategy, detailing ongoing initiatives like the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (PoMS) and the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS) which address this concern. It also mentions ambitions to expand PoMS but notes this would require additional funding.
6
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 57
While pollinators play a crucial role in ensuring UK food security, it is essential to recognise that insects and invertebrates play more than this one role in supporting food production. Diverse species are essential for preserving ecosystems, and their populations require careful nurturing and maintenance to support sustainable and resilient …
Government Response Summary
The government agrees on the importance of diverse invertebrates, noting current efforts like reviewing the Pollinator Strategy, including invertebrate provisions in ELMS, and delivering Environment Act targets that will benefit various invertebrate groups.
9
Conclusion
Not Addressed
Para 72
Charismatic insect species, of which the honeybee is a prime example, serve as invaluable ambassadors for the field of entomology, rendering the subject more accessible to the public and bringing to public attention this often-overlooked animal group. The concentrations of high numbers of hives in a small number of specific …
Government Response Summary
The government explains that expanding the National Bee Unit's remit to wild bee health would require legislative changes, and while NBU work indirectly helps wild pollinators and a BeeBase map exists, it does not commit to new specific conservation efforts for the 270 wild species of bees.
13
Conclusion
Accepted
The existing biology and core sciences GCSE curriculum inadequately addresses crucial aspects of insect study and focuses on a limited selection of ecological roles. We applaud the introduction of the new Natural History GCSE, which aims to not only encompass scientific knowledge but also lay the foundations of skills necessary …
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the conclusion, stating that the Department for Education is currently developing the subject content for the new Natural History GCSE, with a public consultation planned shortly, and aims for it to support progression in nature-related careers.
15
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 103
We commend the often-overlooked contributions of amateur entomologists, ranging from unpaid species experts to members of the public involved in citizen science initiatives. While the collection of insect monitoring data remains invaluable for entomology, citizen science projects serve a broader purpose. We agree with the perspective of conservation experts, acknowledging …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of inclusivity in green sectors and citizen science for biodiversity targets, citing initiatives like the Green Jobs Delivery Group, the Natural History GCSE, the National Education Nature Park, and £2.5m funding to connect disadvantaged young people to nature.
17
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 115
Witnesses to this Inquiry have told us that within the UK, land use change, land management practices and pesticide usage are amongst the largest contributing factors to insect decline. Consequently, the largest influence on achieving the biodiversity targets for insect species outlined in the 2021 Environment Act, could lie in …
Government Response Summary
The government implicitly agrees by detailing ongoing efforts like reviewing the Pollinator Strategy, including invertebrate provisions in ELMS with premium payments for high-priority actions, and delivering Environment Act targets for species abundance and extinction, all of which address the impact of land use and management.
21
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 135
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an important component of sustainable crop protection; however, it requires more knowledge than traditional pesticide applications. To enhance the successful implementation of IPM, it is imperative to adopt innovative approaches and new tools, such as integrating resistant plant varieties, the use of biopesticides or new …
Government Response Summary
Defra agrees on the importance of IPM and commits to outlining policies to increase IPM uptake in the forthcoming National Action Plan, commissioning research projects, providing £103 million through the Farming Innovation Programme, and incorporating paid IPM actions into the Sustainable Farming Incentives scheme, with more actions coming in 2024.
23
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 143
The statutory targets to halt and reverse species extinction and decline in abundance are ambitious and welcome. However, the exclusion of numerous invertebrate species and in some cases entire groups from the baseline metrics, particularly those vital for UK food security such as predatory beetles, is concerning. Including only 11 …
Government Response Summary
Defra acknowledges the committee's concern regarding the exclusion of numerous invertebrate species from biodiversity metrics, explaining that taxonomic coverage is limited by data availability, and states it is continuing to assess how to improve indicators and is preparing new Red Lists for various groups.
25
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 153
Witnesses to our Inquiry estimate that approximately half of the Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are not in a good state and are failing to conserve invertebrate biodiversity. Protected sites do not exist in isolation and are therefore influenced by the quality of nature in the surrounding environment. Whilst …
Government Response Summary
The government states that SSSI condition assessments already capture offsite pressures and highlights interim targets from the Environmental Improvement Plan for SSSIs by 2028, while also developing new tools like Protected Site Strategies and Local Nature Recovery Strategies to address offsite influences.
27
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 173
The UK has made international commitments to reducing the overall risk caused by pesticides by at least half by 2030. Whilst we acknowledge that updating the National Action Plan for Sustainable Pesticide Use, the UK implementation plan to achieve these commitments, is a substantial task for the Government, this does …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the complexity and delay in publishing the National Action Plan for Sustainable Pesticide Use, but states they are working on it and have not waited to implement other measures, such as paid IPM actions within the SFI scheme and funding for pest management research.
29
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 175
The impact of pesticides on insect species that are not pollinators remains not fully known due to the lack of data on pesticide accumulation in terrestrial environments and specific details of pesticide applications on managed land.
Government Response Summary
Defra acknowledges the lack of full understanding of pesticide impact, stating it funds projects to monitor effects on wildlife, supports recommendations for terrestrial environmental monitoring, funds honey sample analysis, and will continue monitoring pesticides while working to improve the Pesticide Usage Survey.
31
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 184
Pesticide use by amenity and amateur sectors in urban and suburban areas does not benefit UK food production and can have adverse effects on many insect species.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the issues with pesticide use in amenity and amateur sectors, noting it is for local authorities to decide on weed control, and states it is commissioning research into integrated pest management for amenity use and considering options to improve data collection for both sectors.
33
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 191
While a contentious debate exists between nature conservation groups and agriculturalists regarding the use of conventional pesticides, both sides acknowledge the importance of developing new solutions, emphasising the need for increased investment in practical research and development. The regulatory system’s failure to distinguish between conventional chemicals and alternative plant protection …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the conclusion, restating its priority for pesticide safety and existing science-based regulatory processes, including ongoing monitoring. It highlights advances in targeted application technologies but does not commit to streamlining the regulatory system or distinguishing between conventional and alternative plant protection products to reduce barriers to innovation.