News that existing voluntary measures and legal requirements governing pesticides in the UK will be largely used to meet new European legislation has been welcomed as “a common sense solution”.

The introduction of the new European Sustainable Use Directive, which comes into force in November 2011, has seen DEFRA undergo a detailed consultation to ensure the requirements of the directive are being met.

In its response to a consultation on the UK's implementation of requirements set out under the 'EU Directive on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides', and associated measures under the 'EU Regulation on the Marketing of Plant Protection Products', DEFRA said that no evidence had been provided to justify extending existing regulations.

DEFRA also indicated that the objective of the new legislation, which is part of the EU Thematic Strategy on Pesticides, was to bring all member states up to comparable high standards, like those in the UK, to create a level playing field across Europe”.

NFU vice-president Gwyn Jones said today’s announcement vindicates the approach being used by British farmers and growers who currently use voluntary measures to govern pesticide use and was deemed “a common sense solution”.

Jones said: “This approach is working and will continue to work because we recognise that best practice advice continues to evolve. We encourage all pesticide users to continue working hard at raising standards and ensuring consumer confidence under the successful Voluntary Initiative.”

A recent report by Cranfield University showed that without pesticides, household expenditure on food and drink could rise by as much as 40 per cent or £70 billion nationally.

The NFU said it will now analyse the full report and prepare for a second consultation from DEFRA on the implementing measures, expected in May 2011.

Jones added: “Farmers are proud that standards here in the UK are world-leading and all along we have said that this new legislation should bring all EU Member States up to the same high levels of competency. Pesticides are already very highly regulated in Europe and farmers take the responsibly of using them very seriously. As the UK already has existing best practice measures, which are proven to work, it makes sense to use them to meet the requirements of the new Directive rather than re-invent the wheel - and with it inevitable extra costs.

Crop Protection Association director of policy Dr Anne Buckenham said: "The UK leads the way in Europe on responsible pesticide use through stewardship programmes such as the Voluntary Initiative and Campaign for the Farmed Environment. The government clearly recognises the success and cost-effectiveness of our approach, and we will continue to work with partners across government, industry and the NGO community to maintain and build on the high standards achieved.”

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