Pesticide Lobby Pushes to Retain EU-Banned Chemicals on UK Farms
An investigation by Unearthed reveals that the pesticide lobby group CropLife UK is actively pressuring British ministers to prevent the banning of dozens of pesticides that are already prohibited in the European Union. These chemicals, which remain in major use among British food growers post-Brexit, include substances linked to serious health and environmental risks such as cancer, infertility, and groundwater contamination. CropLife UK argues that aligning with EU standards could cost farmers up to £810 million in reduced yields. However, analysis shows that ten of the fourteen highlighted pesticides were banned in the EU due to significant hazards. For instance, dimethomorph, used on strawberries and onions, is banned for damaging fertility, while benthiavalicarb, used on potatoes, is restricted due to carcinogenic concerns. Conservationists and campaign groups like Wildlife and Countryside Link and Pesticide Action Network UK urge the UK government to urgently realign with EU regulations. They argue this move is essential for protecting public health, aiding nature’s recovery, and securing easier access to the European export market for British farmers.
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Pesticide Lobby Pushes to Retain EU-Banned Chemicals on UK Farms
An investigation by Unearthed reveals that the pesticide lobby group CropLife UK is actively pressuring British ministers to prevent the banning of dozens of pesticides that are already prohibited in the European Union. These chemicals, which remain in major use among British food growers post-Brexit, include substances linked to serious health and environmental risks such as cancer, infertility, and groundwater contamination. CropLife UK argues that aligning with EU standards could cost farmers up to £810 million in reduced yields. However, analysis shows that ten of the fourteen highlighted pesticides were banned in the EU due to significant hazards. For instance, dimethomorph, used on strawberries and onions, is banned for damaging fertility, while benthiavalicarb, used on potatoes, is restricted due to carcinogenic concerns. Conservationists and campaign groups like Wildlife and Countryside Link and Pesticide Action Network UK urge the UK government to urgently realign with EU regulations. They argue this move is essential for protecting public health, aiding nature’s recovery, and securing easier access to the European export market for British farmers.
Unearthed