The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, has welcomed the development of an environmentally friendly pesticide that protects crops and pollinators, including bees.

Responding to the announcement CLA Chief Land Use Policy Adviser, Damian Testa, said: “The creation of a bee-friendly pesticide shows what funding and investment in agricultural technology can achieve. Real benefits to farmers and real benefits to the environment.

“It is vital that our farmers have the tools necessary to provide the food on our shelves and compete in an ever changing global market place. That is why we must ensure continued investment in projects like the Government’s Agri-Tech Catalyst which produce tangible benefits for farmers, protect our environment and grow the economy.

“Innovation will be the key to a thriving British farming sector.”