Fight goes on over EU pesticide proposals

The NFU has expressed its dismay and disappointment at today’s environment committee vote in the European Parliament which will further restrict the number of essential crop protection products that will be available to farmers and growers in future. The proposals, part of the Thematic Strategy on Pesticides, mean there could be further restrictions on vital crop protection products – already one of the most heavily regulated group of chemicals in the EU. This could result in a reduction in yield and quality and prices for household staples such as potatoes and broccoli going through the roof.

NFU President Peter Kendall said the fight to stop the proposals would go on. He said: "We are very disappointed with the position taken by the environment committee, which has failed to understand that having an armoury of plant protection products available to farmers and growers is vital to ensure that a sufficient supply of safe and affordable food is produced to meet rising world demand. All resources will now be focussed on convincing the full parliament to reverse these changes and to approve a responsible and sensible report." Click here for more information.