A new consultation that will look at options to implement new European Union pesticide rules has been welcomed by the Crop Protection Association (CPA), with the body hailing the 12-week project as a 'key opportunity' to recognise and build on high pesticide standards already in place in the UK.
Issued on behalf of Defra by the HSE's Chemicals Regulation Directorate, the consultation will seek views on UK implementation of requirements set out under the EU Directive on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides, as well as associated measures under the EU Plant Protection Products Regulation.
'The UK leads the way throughout Europe on responsible pesticide use through stewardship programmes such as the Voluntary Initiative,' said Dr Anne Buckenham, director of policy at the CPA. 'We welcome this consultation as a means of raising standards across the EU to those already largely in place in the UK through a combination of statutory and voluntary measures.'
According to Dr Buckenham, the CPA is keen to ensure that schemes put in place through the Voluntary Initiative are recognised for their success and cost-effectiveness, and that these high standards are maintained, while ensuring that UK measures surpassing the Directive are not watered down.
'CPA will respond in detail to the questions and options raised in this consultation,' Dr Buckenham added. 'Our overriding objective is that the practical implementation of this legislation in the UK allows pesticides to be used safely for people, wildlife and the environment, while safeguarding their vital role in food production by preventing crop losses due to pests, diseases and weed competition.'
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