DEFRA has launched a three-month consultation on how to implement new European rules on pesticides, signalling the start of further conflict between farming and environmental groups.
Issued on behalf of DEFRA by the HSE's Chemicals Regulation Directorate, the consultation will seek views on UK implementation of requirements set out under the EU Directive on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides, as well as associated measures under the EU Plant Protection Products Regulation.
Both sides will look to have at their interests included in the consultation which covers areas including the training of pesticide users, inspection of spraying equipment and minimising the risk of pollution from pesticides.
The consultation, which ends on 4 May, also puts forward options on access to information about pesticides used near homes, and how people could get this information.
The Crop Protection Association said the consultation should be used as a chance to build on the high standards already in place in the UK, and to ensure a level playing field across the rest of the EU.
Dr Anne Buckenham, CPA director of policy, said: "The UK leads the way in Europe on responsible pesticide use through stewardship programmes such as the Voluntary Initiative.
"We welcome this consultation as a means of raising standards across the EU to those already largely in place in the UK through a combination of statutory and voluntary measures.
"Our overriding objective is that the practical implementation of this legislation in the UK allows pesticides 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."
But the British Crop Production Council (BCPC) reacted angrily to the measure, suggesting that the move, combined with issues in the Water Framework Directive, could create a “crop protection crunch”.
BCPC chairman Dr Colin Ruscoe said: “We must get the message out about the negative impact that all this legislation will have on the production of good-quality, nutritional food, at affordable prices - a ‘Crop Protection Crunch’.
“We need to inform the whole of the food chain from producers to retailers and the general public, as well as finding ways to help food producers deal with the impact. And if we are going to make further attempts at regulatory reform, both in the UK and EU, continued lobbying of government will be crucial.”
Environment minister Dan Norris said: “Public health is our priority, and I look forward to hearing people’s views on how we can build on the UK’s very high pesticide safety standards.
“We need a balanced approach to further reduce the risks and impacts of pesticides on people and the environment, while ensuring we can continue to grow high-quality affordable food to help feed a growing population.”
The consultation includes options on approaches ranging from retaining the current system to adopting further regulatory controls.
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