Pesticide proposals would have wide implications -Allister
16 October 2008
Ulster MEP Jim Allister has been briefed by the UK Ornamental Horticultural and Gardening Industry, on the likely impact current EU Pesticide proposals would have on that particular sector.
Mr Allister commented,
“It is not just farmers and growers who will be impacted by current EU proposals on Pesticides. 20 million domestic gardens across the UK could be left without basic plant protection and weed control methods, with the loss of up to 85% of active ingredients, under current proposals. The garden centre and retail industry, worth £3.5 billion annually to the UK economy, would have to introduce more labour intensive systems at much additional cost.”
“Meanwhile, new research on the impact current proposals would have in the Netherlands, has predicted an end to Brussels sprouts, cucumber and onion production. The Dutch flower industry would also suffer heavily under these proposals. It would be nonsensical if the European authorities permit these regulatory changes to proceed.”
ENDS
