The sprout suppressant is already approved in 23 European countries, alongside the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and Brazil. It was previously subject to a UK emergency approval but was only used in very limited quantities.
Positive move
NFU Potato Forum chair Tim Rooke said: 鈥淲e have been pressing the importance of full access to DMN ever since the phasing out of CIPC, so this long-awaited decision will be a huge relief for many growers, particularly as the ongoing dry conditions have restricted the use of alternative sprout suppressants.鈥�
Growers have been primarily relying on orange and mint oils alongside in field maleic hydrazide (MH) applications, but many growers have been unable to apply MH this year due to dry conditions.
The full approval of DMN without restrictions is therefore an essential lifeline for the storage season ahead.
Timeframe
The approval runs until August 2025 for sale and distribution, with August 2026 as the final use by date.