This article relates to an amendment to the Agriculture Bill that was passed in the House of Lords on 22 September 2020, but subsequently defeated in the House of Commons and then again when an amended version was voted on in the Lords.
The House of Lords has voted in favour of an , aiming to protect members of the public from pesticides.Â
The amendment would only become law if both houses agree to it. Here, we explain in plain terms what this means for British farmers and growers and what the NFU's next steps will be.
What is the Lord Whitty amendment?
The amendment sets out to stop the agricultural and horticultural use of pesticides near any buildings and spaces for work or by the public. It includes any building where the public might be present, specifically mentioning schools and hospitals. Its aim appears to be to further restrict pesticide use to protect human health.
Why does it matter to farmers?
Our farmers and growers need access to safe and effective tools to protect crops from pests and disease, so they can continue to produce safe and affordable British food and plant crops.
The fact is that most of the tools currently depended on to protect crops are pesticides – or as the regulation calls them, Plant Protection Products. The amendment would in effect prevent the practical use of all pesticides.
Has the House of Lords understood the issue from a farming point of view?
It seems clear the House of Lords did not fully understand that the UK already operates one of the strictest regulatory regimes for pesticides in the world.
What’s more, as the Minister Lord Gardiner of Kimble sets out, the UK’s comprehensive and robust scientific assessment process already protects people in all situations where they might be exposed to pesticides and if any harmful effect on human health were found, pesticides would not be authorised. The arguments in favour of the amendment seemed to be driven more by emotion and opinion.
What is the NFU’s response to this?
NFU Vice President Tom Bradshaw said: “We are extremely concerned that the House of Lords has voted in favour of this amendment to the Agriculture Bill which would stop the use of pesticides by farmers and growers.
“Our farmers and growers need access to safe and effective tools, including pesticides, to protect crops from pests and disease, so they can continue to produce safe and affordable British food.
“As the government Minister Lord Gardiner of Kimble made clear, the UK already uses a scientifically robust and tightened regulatory system to assess pesticides, which factors in all the issues raised in the amendment and as a result only authorises products that will not have any harmful effect on human health. Farmers are keenly aware of the need to use pesticides responsibly, and already follow strict protocols so that the public are kept safe.
“This amendment wouldn’t change the already high protections that exist for the public but would prevent farmers using these critical products to fight pests and diseases when producing food."
What is the NFU doing?
91²Ö¿âwill be seeking further clarification from government as to the implications of the House of Lords vote. We will also be highlighting the robust regulatory regime the UK already operates within to ensure plant protection products are used safely and responsibly.
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