European Union pass stricter pesticide regulations

This week saw the European Union take steps to remove chemicals from use that are known to cause cancer or are harmful to human reproduction or hormones.

The BBC reports that the move, which was opposed by the UK government, the Conservative party and the National Farmers' Union, would hit yields leading to higher food prices.

The new rules, which are still to be approved by the twenty seven member states, means that spraying near in public areas close to schools or hospitals will be either placed under restrictions or banned completely with large scale aerial spraying also being banned.

The National Farmers Union were against the EU moves citing that "restrictions could lead to reductions in crop yields and quality and a rise in food prices for household staples like potatoes and broccoli," although the NFU conceded that the revised versions are better than the ones proposed by the members of the European parliament last year.

The NFU remain concerned that many chemicals, that are used safely by growers and farmers, may still be removed and say that the legislation should be based on 'sound science' and that there are still too many uncertainties that remain with the agreed text - a view shared, say the NFU by DEFRA and the Pesticides Safety Directorate.

Greenpeace however, say that the proposed removal of the twenty two substances is barely a start and falls short of real progress.

Speaking for Greenpeace, chemicals expert Manfred Krautter said: "The lack of ambition of this law means that food in Europe will continue to be contaminated by many dangerous chemicals for years to come."

The Soil Association dismissed 'as nonsense' the claims by the pesticide industry that carrot growing would cease if the news laws were passed.

For more information on the European Union legislation on approved pesticides.

Comments

[J. Dore]

What has amazed me about this is the wild claims that the farming lobby in the UK has been making. Things like 'this will wipe out carrot production in the UK'. What do they think organic farmers have been doing for the past few decades?! No vegetable crop is dependent on the use of pesticides. Methods might have to change but you can't claim that this makes it impossible to grow a crop commercially.
I, for one, am glad to see the EU taking a slightly tougher line on pesticide regulation, though there's still a long way to go...

[Philip Voice]

I agree Jeremy

We need to get back to companion planting and harmonious arrangements.

Planting garlic next to carrots or using garlic extract for example - the flies do not like it.

Thanks for your comment

Phil

[tenders]

Although i can see where the farmers are coming from, i think that EU regulation on pesticides is only to everyones benefit in the long term. Better quality soil = better produce = more sales (hopefully).