The proposed massive cuts in pesticide use emanating from the European corridors of power are an absolute nonsense that the industry will be keen to see shot down as quickly as possible.

Everyone is entirely aware of the need - whether it be driven by consumers, retailers, environmentalism or just a desire to keep costs down - of reducing pesticide usage.

But the European Parliament’s Environment Committee - in an extraordinary show of one-sided thinking - has suggested the industry cuts its usage by as much as 50 percent in the next decade. And that’s before you factor in other brainwaves such as pesticide taxes, bans on all aerial spraying and the like.

The UK already has one of the most stringent systems for ensuring the safety of its produce, while voluntary measures mean most growers take great care in the application of chemicals.

Even organic growers would admit that getting through this season without recourse to pesticides has been incredibly difficult. In the case of potatoes, where blight has been devastating, the crop could have been all but obliterated.

It is important that this is explained to MEPs and that sense is seen before any of these proposals become law.