The EU plans to curb the use of pesticides have caused concern in communities across the UK.
The proposals stem from an agreement reached by European agriculture ministers this week which substantially changes the criteria for pesticides approval. The shift is from a risk-based assessment of the impact of pesticides, to criteria based on the hazards presented by the pesticide with no account taken of how substances are used by operators. This appears to me to show a lack of common sense.
Potentially, the changes could lead to between 5 and 15 per cent of pesticides being removed from the market, having widespread implications for horticulturalists across the UK, not least for Shrewsbury, which has a long history of horticultural excellence.
I know that Shrewsbury takes great pride in producing quality urban horticulture and our recent achievements included winning the ‘International Communities in Bloom’ title in 2007, a thoroughly deserved recognition. Understandably, many concerned residents have raised their fear that the pesticides ban will impact heavily on our ability to maintain such high standards of horticulture which enhances the town and brings tourists flocking.
I am gravely disappointed with the British Government in failing to get the UK a balanced deal during the negotiations in Europe and I am currently raising the issue with Government ministers at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in a bid to highlight the reality of the impact of such proposals on communities, and to persuade them to take the necessary action.
We must ensure that the Government stands its ground and urges Members in the European Parliament to use common sense and look thoroughly at the impact of the proposals before the Second Reading later in the year, or else the delightful blooms on the streets of Shrewsbury will be in jeopardy.
