Newly introduced European Union regulations governing the approval of pesticides are 'directly at odds' with the need to increase global agricultural production, according to the UK-based Crop Protection association (CPA).
Last week, the EU Council of Ministers adopted new legislation which will switch the approval of pesticides from a risk-based assessment policy to hazard-based cut-off criteria, a move which, the CPA said, could result in the loss of some 15-20 per cent pf currently approved crop protection products.
According to the CPA, experts have warned that these new regulations will reduce crop yields and food quality and increase costs for consumers, while also potentially increasing the agricultural industry's carbon footprint.
'These rules are so at odds with the urgent demands placed on modern, productive agriculture that they call into question the entire EU policy-making process, and its ability to reach joined-up decisions,' said CPA chief executive Dominic Dyer. 'With no demonstrable benefit to human health or the environment, it is scandalous that this legislation has been passed at a time of mounting concern over food security'
Mr Dyer added that there will be future occasions where the industry faces legislative change, and that there are lessons to be learned for when that time arises.
Meanwhile, he praised the UK food industry for its reaction to the proposed legislative changes, and said that the issue had galvanised the industry to speak in favour of a modern, science-based agricultural industry.
'Together we secured the support of the UK government, and a strong coalition of MEPs (Members of Parliament), in opposing the new rules,' Mr Dyer said. 'Our efforts were not in vain and the positive momentum must not be lost. We must continue to press the EU to strengthen the independent scientific advice it receives, to demonstrate the benefits of technological innovation in food production, and to highlight the vital role of modern, science-based agriculture in responding to the urgent challenges of food security, climate change and declining natural resources.'
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