NFU last minute lobbying ahead of crucial pesticides vote

NFU Deputy President Meurig Raymond will be in Strasbourg next week in a last ditch attempt to urge MEP’s to reject planned EU legislation on pesticides which will have a devastating impact on the UK agricultural and horticultural industry.

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 groups of chemicals in the EU. This could result in a reduction in crop yield and quality as well as pushing up food prices.

Mr Raymond said: "If these proposals go through unaltered we could be facing a difficult future with our agriculture and food production seriously threatened. The lack of sound science behind the plans is a major concern and we cannot support measures which reduce the tools available to farmers and growers to produce crops that could ultimately jeopardise future food supply and security. Although progress has been made over the past few months to improve the content of the legislation, the basis is still fundamentally flawed owing to a lack of sound science.

"NFU members have proven that they are professional and responsible users of plant protection products. High quality and safe food relies on the strict standards which are already in place, but not ones which do more harm than good.

"In the current climate of price rises and population increases, consumers cannot afford to see flawed regulations put in place which restrict food availability as we know it. I will be urging MEP’s to reject the trialogue compromise and support the amendments which could mitigate some of the effects of the legislation."