NFU response to sustainable pesticide use legislation

Defra’s legislation implementing the EU sustainable use directive acknowledges the efforts that the industry is making with best practice, but needs more clarity to ensure it will be effective, said the NFU today.

The Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012 will come into force from July 18 2012 with the aim of encouraging best practice and reducing the risks associated with using pesticides including their effects on the environment.

The NFU believes that the legislation will only have a small impact on regular spray operators who already operate to best practice guidelines. However, it is concerned over the impact it will have on occasional sprayers and the use of ‘continuous professional development’ as a basis for certification of those operating under the ‘grandfather right.’

NFU Deputy President Meurig Raymond said: “For operators already adhering to best practice guidelines, this legislation will make little difference, and the NFU is pleased to see that this acknowledges the work carried out by UK growers on a voluntary basis through the VI and its various initiatives.

“We are also pleased that the emphasis in the legislation is on reducing risks by responsible and considered use of pesticides, rather than reducing pesticide use without taking best practice into consideration.

“However, it does appear that the legislation will have the greatest impact on occasional users who may be required to undertake a range of measures such as sprayer testing. While this is an improvement on best practice it is important that Defra is very clear on what will be required and the associated timeframe, as there are various staggered deadlines.

“In addition, despite the indication that Defra is considering options for continuous professional development as a basis for certification of spray operators previously operating under grandfather right, we are concerned that it is still unclear on how this process might operate.

“This is a major concern for many growers and spray operators who will not be sure if their continuous professional development under schemes like the National Register of Spray Operators will be sufficient to forego further testing.”