The UK-based Crop Protection Association (CPA) has today (15 December) welcomed the government's confirmation that UK pesticide safety standards are already among the highest in Europe, and that only 'minor changes' are needed to meet the requirements of new EU legislation on the sustainable use of pesticides.
In its response to a consultation on the UK's implementation of requirements set out under the 'EU Directive on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides', and associated measures under the 'EU Regulation on the Marketing of Plant Protection Products', the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said that no evidence had been provided to justify extending existing regulations.
Defra also indicated that the objective of the new legislation, which is part of the EU Thematic Strategy on Pesticides, was to 'bring all member states up to comparable high standards, like those in the UK, to create a level playing field across Europe'.
'The UK leads the way in Europe on responsible pesticide use through stewardship programmes such as the Voluntary Initiative and Campaign for the Farmed Environment,' said Dr Anne Buckenham, CPA director of policy. 'The government clearly recognises the success and cost-effectiveness of our approach, and we will continue to work with partners across government, industry and the NGO community to maintain and build on the high standards achieved.
'Our overriding objective is to ensure that pesticides can continue 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,' Dr Buckenham added. 'We certainly welcome the new legislation as a means of raising standards across the EU to those already in place in the UK.'
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