AIC rodenticide vote success
AIC had highlighted the concerns of the whole agriculture industry and the consequences, especially for the feed and grain sectors, if the the anticoagulant group of rodenticides were withdrawn with regard to increases in grain contamination destined for animal feed and human consumption.
As there are no effective alternatives to anticoagulant rodenticides, the loss would also have led to ineffective rodent control in many work places, offices and homes with implications for human health.
Hazel Doonan, head of AIC’s Agronomy and Crop Protection sector, said: This is good news for everyone connected with the agriculture industry and means that anticoagulants, the most widely used rodenticide in the UK and the EU, should continue to be available, if the amendment is supported through the legislative process.
The discriminatory clause severely limiting the chance of approval was removed from the new amendment, while other criteria was broadened to include their use not only to control serious dangers to human health, but also to prevent rodent outbreaks and to address animal health and environmental issues.
This compromise amendment will now be debated in the European Parliament plenary session in September, together with other amendments supported in the first reading. These include the proposal to introduce a framework directive on the sustainable professional use of biocides which considers the introduction of National Action Plans, integrated pest management, risk reduction measures and the promotion of alternatives.
AIC will continue to lobby the relevant individuals throughout the process to ensure the final legislation is practical and proportionate.