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‘Restrictive’ Brussels decision angers farming groups
Proposed EU pesticide rules could force up food prices and imports
European agriculture ministers dealt farmers a significant blow yesterday after they agreed planned new rules that could restrict the use of a raft of important crop protection products.
The controversial decision was immediately criticised by farming unions, several member states and manufacturers who said any restrictions on pesticides, herbicides and fungicides could have huge repercussions for food production, force up prices even further and result in increased imports.
The controversial decision by Europe’s Agriculture Council means cut-off dates could now be fixed for certain active ingredients in the crop products that are deemed hazardous. Further discussions now have to be held with the European Parliament on the decision before it can be written into EU law.
Any compromise between the two institutions is likely to back organic farming methods, a regime that is unlikely to be able to feed Europe as growers will be unable to act against the pests and insects that affect yields or which can kill crops.
Farming groups and Europe’s chemical manufacturers were furious at the council decision. They have support from Britain’s Pesticides Safety Directorate, a government agency, the UK Government, Ireland, Hungary and Romania. The directorate has already warned that the planned legislation could lead to 15% of existing products being deregistered immediately and a further 24% forcibly replaced within five years.
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn used yesterday’s council meeting in Brussels to again stress the need for a sound scientific framework for crop protection products which reflected economic reality. He too expressed concerns that the commission had still not undertaken a proper assessment on the impact of the proposals on agricultural production EU-wide.
NFU Scotland combinable crops chairman John Picken said: “At a time when concern is being expressed about high food prices, these proposals would make it more difficult for Scottish farmers to continue producing high quality food at affordable prices. "Scottish consumers repeatedly say they want more, affordable, fresh fruit and vegetables that are produced locally. The result of the current decision could mean more expensive and more imported food."
Mr Picken said the fight was far from over, with the lobbying effort now switching to the Parliament. But hard battle lies ahead as the parliament’s original plan was to outlaw 85% of crop protection products. The debate is also being led by the green politicians. Mr Picken added: “We welcome calls from the pesticide manufacturers for a full impact assessment to be carried out by the commission.
"To highlight concerns over food production yet sit on their hands over the pesticides approval process is completely contradictory."
Source: pressandjournal.co.uk
Proposed EU pesticide rules could force up food prices and imports
European agriculture ministers dealt farmers a significant blow yesterday after they agreed planned new rules that could restrict the use of a raft of important crop protection products.
The controversial decision was immediately criticised by farming unions, several member states and manufacturers who said any restrictions on pesticides, herbicides and fungicides could have huge repercussions for food production, force up prices even further and result in increased imports.
The controversial decision by Europe’s Agriculture Council means cut-off dates could now be fixed for certain active ingredients in the crop products that are deemed hazardous. Further discussions now have to be held with the European Parliament on the decision before it can be written into EU law.
Any compromise between the two institutions is likely to back organic farming methods, a regime that is unlikely to be able to feed Europe as growers will be unable to act against the pests and insects that affect yields or which can kill crops.
Farming groups and Europe’s chemical manufacturers were furious at the council decision. They have support from Britain’s Pesticides Safety Directorate, a government agency, the UK Government, Ireland, Hungary and Romania. The directorate has already warned that the planned legislation could lead to 15% of existing products being deregistered immediately and a further 24% forcibly replaced within five years.
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn used yesterday’s council meeting in Brussels to again stress the need for a sound scientific framework for crop protection products which reflected economic reality. He too expressed concerns that the commission had still not undertaken a proper assessment on the impact of the proposals on agricultural production EU-wide.
NFU Scotland combinable crops chairman John Picken said: “At a time when concern is being expressed about high food prices, these proposals would make it more difficult for Scottish farmers to continue producing high quality food at affordable prices. "Scottish consumers repeatedly say they want more, affordable, fresh fruit and vegetables that are produced locally. The result of the current decision could mean more expensive and more imported food."
Mr Picken said the fight was far from over, with the lobbying effort now switching to the Parliament. But hard battle lies ahead as the parliament’s original plan was to outlaw 85% of crop protection products. The debate is also being led by the green politicians. Mr Picken added: “We welcome calls from the pesticide manufacturers for a full impact assessment to be carried out by the commission.
"To highlight concerns over food production yet sit on their hands over the pesticides approval process is completely contradictory."
Source: pressandjournal.co.uk
Publication date: 6/25/2008
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