Norwegian Farmers Fear Summer Lettuce Shortage Due to Pest Control Ban

Norwegian lettuce farmers are concerned about a potential lettuce shortage this summer, as new regulations prevent them from spraying against aphids, which could render 40-70% of their crop unusable. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) has banned the use of certain pesticides, citing environmental concerns. Farmers argue that without these tools, they are unable to effectively combat the aphid infestations that plague their crops. "We are facing a crisis," said Lars Olsen, a farmer from Vestfold. "If we can't control the aphids, we will lose a significant portion of our harvest, and consumers will face higher prices and limited availability."