The new pesticides directive has sent shockwaves through the industry after MEPs from across the EU voted in favour of the legislation in the Strasbourg plenary session this morning.
The version approved by MEPs has been altered from the version agreed by the Environment Committee in November, but farmers and growers are still “very concerned” that a range of important products used could still be removed from the market.
Speaking from Strasbourg, NFU deputy president Meurig Raymond said: “It is worth remembering that pesticides are already one of the most heavily regulated groups of chemicals in the EU. I remain very worried that these further restrictions could lead to reductions in crop yields and quality and a rise in food prices for household staples like potatoes and broccoli.
“Some MEPs made significant efforts to amend and improve the text and these are the people that recognise that it would not be possible to produce the quality, healthy fruit and vegetables that we currently produce without all the necessary tools. I am disappointed that they didn’t get the support of the majority."
Dominic Dyer, chief executive of the Crop Protection Association (CPA), told freshinfo: “We’re not surprised. Since the amendments made following the Environment Committee’s meeting in November we have given our reluctant support of a package that has improved significantly, as it could have affected around 85 per cent of pesticides used in the UK.
“We have a meeting with [DEFRA Secretary of state] Hilary Benn on Thursday and we will put to him that more must be done to increase support for the UK in the council about the failure to have a full impact assessment.
“The way the European Commission has dealt with this is very poor and there has been suggestions that an ombudsman may look into the matter, which we support.”
Dyer also suggested the UK may talk to representatives from the Czech Republic as they are “open” to the idea of having an impact assessment, a position the French do not hold.
Nigel Jenney, chief executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), said: “Growers already have a limited range of products to protect horticultural crops, and in some instances there will be no viable alternatives for treating common pests which reduce yields and damage fresh produce.
“It may become uneconomic to grow some crops such as sprouts and carrots, and lower yields will mean hard-pressed consumers will have to pay higher prices for their fruit and vegetables, including apples, pears, raspberries, leeks, peas and beans.
“With rising obesity levels across Europe it is essential that we encourage more people to eat fresh fruit and vegetables and that we can continue to provide a sustainable supply of fresh produce against the challenges of feeding an increasing world population, competing pressures on agricultural land and the impact of climate change.”
No comments yet