A new move by the Pesticide Safety Directorate (PSD) could provide farmers and growers with more pesticide options on minor crops, according to the NFU.
The cost of obtaining 'off-label' approvals for pesticides was restricting the choice of products available to growers of smaller volume crops in the UK, compared with some EU states.
A mechanism to allow for off-label approvals, sought on the basis of on-label approvals in other EU member states, has now been introduced.
The NFU, HDC and other industry bodies said they have long highlighted the importance of this 'mutual recognition' between EU member states in maintaining the viability of small but important areas of crops in the UK, such as asparagus and fennel. This has now been recognised by the regulatory authorities.
Dr Neil Kift, pesticides adviser for the NFU, said: "Whilst there are necessary restrictions on the way in which this process can be undertaken, this practical measure to allow the principle of mutual recognition to be used is a major step forward.
"Far from being a pesticide free-for-all, this process is a way of formally recognising the consistency of approach to pesticide regulation that now exists across the EU as a result of the Plant Protection Products Directive.
"It will not only benefit growers of the minor but economically important crops like asparagus, but also has potential to help growers of novel products such as borage and soya as well as crops that will be heavily effected by changes in the Long Term Arrangements of Use, such as rye, triticale and fruit crops such as currants and berries."
