Groups squaring up over pesticide rules

Last year the European Union issued a directive on how arable farmers should be allowed to treat their crops.

Strong lobbying from British politicians and agricultural bodies managed to prevent widespread bans on the use of pesticides that many farmers feared would happen but the compromise measures agreed now have to be put into practice here in the UK.

Defra is launching a three-month consultation on the issue with farming and environmental groups set to do battle all over again to have their interests included.

The consultation covers areas including the training of pesticide users, inspection of spraying equipment and minimising the risk of pollution from pesticides.

The consultation also puts forward options on access to information about pesticides used near homes, and how people could get this information.

Environment Minister Dan Norris said: "Public health is our priority, and I look forward to hearing people's views on how we can build on the UK's very high pesticide safety standards.

"We need a balanced approach to further reduce the risks and impacts of pesticides on people and the environment, while ensuring we can continue to grow high-quality affordable food to help feed a growing population."

The Crop Protection Association said the consultation should be used as a chance to build on the high standards already in place in the UK, and to ensure a level playing field across the rest of the EU.

"The UK leads the way in Europe on responsible pesticide use through stewardship programmes such as the Voluntary Initiative," said Dr Anne Buckenham, CPA director of policy.

"We welcome this consultation as a means of raising standards across the EU to those already largely in place in the UK through a combination of statutory and voluntary measures.

"Our overriding objective is that the practical implementation of this legislation in the UK allows pesticides to be used safely for people, wildlife and the environment, while safeguarding their vital role in food production by preventing crop losses due to pests, diseases and weed competition."

However the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said the new EU directive should be used to protect farmland wildlife in the UK.

It wants all pesticide users to receive compulsory training, a statutory regular MOT-style inspection for pesticide spraying equipment and for buffer strips to be created between sprayed fields and water courses.

The RSPB agriculture policy officer Jim Densham said: "The vast majority of farmers use pesticides responsibly, but a small minority do not and they are putting wildlife at risk."

The rules will not just apply to farmers. Local councils which use pesticides to spray weeds in public spaces and retailers selling pesticides to gardeners will also be covered by the legislation.