That was the view expressed by Dr Martin McPherson – crop director of the Stockbridge Technology Centre – at the Certis Lettuce – Integrated Solutions conference last week.

Speaking at the one-day event in Peterborough, he said a disparity of government support amongst member states could result in the UK 'playing on an unlevel playing field with European competitors'.

But McPherson added: 'Utilisation of the off-label route to registration has been common practice in recent years through the HDC-funded Sola programme.

'Along with spin-off extensions to agricultural product labels and reliance on older products, the continued availability of pesticides on minor crops has been assured.' Nevertheless, McPherson warned that older products risked removal, as the EU harmonisation directive effectively clears out ageing pesticides – often with out-dated safety packages.

'As manufacturers direct resources in support of new chemistry, many products will inevitably be removed,' he said. 'It is therefore imperative that research efforts are directed at finding effective, reduced-risk replacements as a matter of urgency.' McPherson appealed to growers to liaise with their crop associations and industry representatives to make MEPs aware of the legislation's impact, and to argue on behalf of the UK horticultural industry.

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