Farmers could take a hit if government fails to regulate chemicals post-Brexit

Without any chemical regulations post-Brexit the agricultural industry could take a severe hit
Without any chemical regulations post-Brexit the agricultural industry could take a severe hit

The Environmental Audit Committee has said it is "disappointed" that the government has not created a plan to regulate the chemical industry.

The Government has responded to the previous Environmental Audit Committee's Future of Chemicals Regulation after the EU Referendum inquiry.

The Committee is calling for further written submissions on the Government’s response.

Mary Creagh, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, said: "The chemicals industry is the second largest exporter to the EU after cars. Chemicals regulation is important because it enables the sector to provide value to the economy whilst also protecting public health and the environment.

"Some businesses that trade within the EU are responding to the uncertainty around the future of UK chemicals regulation by looking to move their operations overseas, putting UK jobs at risk.

"I am disappointed that the Government hasn’t set out a plan to regulate this industry. With only 18 months until the UK leaves the EU, the Government must provide certainty to businesses in this sector."

For the agricultural industry, EU regulations known as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) cover tailored provisions in the plant protection products.

However, the committee said it would be difficult to copy REACH regulations into UK law because of the way they operate and the terminology they use.

Without any chemical regulations post-Brexit the agricultural industry could take a severe hit.

The Environmental Audit Committee's report, 'The Future of Chemicals Regulation after the EU Referendum', found that the Government must urgently provide certainty to the UK chemicals industry over the future of chemicals regulation.