Sustainable use of pesticide

Mr Steele said: “There is absolutely no point in tightening our UK food production standards further if trade policy is going to undermine the legislation by allowing lower quality imports which have a much greater carbon footprint than locally produced produce, into the country.

“Not only would it be hypocritical, it would also be the fastest way to decimate our industry and the rural economy.”

UFU deputy president William Irvine said: “An efficient, sustainable agriculture industry is a major part of the climate change solution. Government should be supporting a policy of maximum food production within our own country. Such a policy ticks all the boxes and give us total control of how we do that. However, if we put too much regulation in place and add too much production cost then food becomes less affordable, especially for those on lower incomes.”

It is the view of the UFU that a balance needs to be struck and in its response to the NAP consolation, it urged that all regulation should be focused on areas most at risk and new regulations must be developed in conjunction with users of plant protection products (PPP). The UFU also stated that the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Chemical Regulation Division (CRD) contractual relationship must be transparent, especially with the complexity of the Northern Ireland (NI) Protocols and the future relationship with the European Union going forward. This is particularly pertinent with regard to the continuing registration and/or the withdrawal of active ingredients.

The UFU have questioned if more needs to be done within agricultural legislation as all PPP operators should have a qualification to spray pesticides and all equipment is tested under the (NSTS) scheme to ensure if fit for use. The UFU and CAFRE deliver the NRoSO operator roadshows annually which ensures sprayer operators are up to date with technology, legislation and the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Due to COVID-19 this year’s course has moved online and this may work longer term to gain better engagement and participation from PPP users.

Mr Steele highlighted the vital role government has in communicating with the public about the work farmers are doing regarding PPPs.

“The government need to be proactive about PPPs. They have a responsibility to inform the public of the good work that has been achieved so far in the sustainable use of pesticides. Farmers are complying with the regulations and have achieved a reduction in the use of PPPs and it’s important that the public are informed of this. DAERA also need to take a lead and resource the promotion of IPM as part of a sustainable, positive message to the consumer. The local farming community strive to be custodians of our countryside, looking after our water quality and the environment,” said Mr Steele.

The UFU acknowledge much work has been conducted across the regions of the UK but are mindful that no local research and development has been progressed here. The UFU call on AFBI and DAERA to address this situation as a matter of urgency.

“NI requires research on PPPs and this needs to be delivered independently and undertaken at a field/farm scale. Local research could be carried out on monitor and strategic farms run by AHDB and supported by AFBI and CAFRE. That would create greater confidence within the local farming community to enable them to embrace change in production techniques and use of new technologies,” said Mr Irvine.