Allister meets UFU on pesticides
30 September 2008
As discussions gather pace in Europe on imposing wide ranging restrictions on the marketing of pesticide products, Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister has met with representatives of the Ulster Farmers’ Union on the issue.
The MEP said,
“I welcome the opportunity to hear the concerns of the farming lobby in relation to the Thematic Strategy on sustainable use of plant protection products. I am deeply concerned that revised Pesticides rules would unnecessarily constrain UK agricultural production, displacing locally produced food for lesser imports.”
“These legislative proposals could result in the removal of approximately 85% of plant protection products from the market. The UK Pesticides Safety Directorate has also predicted 20-30% reductions in arable yields and the failure to grow certain fruit and vegetables, if these proposals go through. Quite clearly, this particular Regulation is unworkable, and is potentially disastrous for local food production.”
“Even the UK Government recognises the importance of a thorough study being carried out on the likely impact these proposals are likely to have, in terms of the quality and supply of food, before they should be introduced by the European authorities. I will certainly be voting for common sense to prevail when the matter comes before Parliament later in the year.”
ENDS
