Brown given second warning on pesticide rules

In a letter written on behalf of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science and Technology, chairman David Kidney MP urged Mr Brown to consider the effects of banning certain pesticides from use in agriculture.

The letter follows that from seven of the UK’s leading food chain bodies* calling for Mr Brown’s help last month.

In his letter Mr Kidney said the Prime Minister should encourage an expert group to conduct an EU-wide impact assessment 'covering crop yields, food prices and economic activity', before new pesticide rules enter into force.

“Such an approach would ensure that the legislation can continue its course but with some assurance that its potential impacts would be fully assessed before taking effect,” read the letter.

It is hoped that Mr Brown will take note of the letter after his failure (to date) to respond to the food chain letter which also told him the impact of the proposals, while well known in Britain, have still not been assessed across the EU.

*Crop Protection Association, Agriculture Industry Confederation, British Crop Production Council, British Retail Consortium, Countryside Land and Business Association, National Farmers Union, Food and Drink Federation and the Fresh Produce Consortium.

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