Farmers’ opinions must be part of the equation as the European Union considers how rules on pesticides are applied, MEPs have been warned. In a speech to the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, Anthea McIntyre MEP urged caution as the committee published its contribution to a review of the implentation of the Plant Protection Products Regulation (EU/1107/2009). The regulation sets down rules on which pesticides can be used and how.
Miss McIntyre, Conservative MEP for the West Midlands, said: “We must stand up for our farmers and growers and give voice to their concerns.”
She will help negotiate the final report on implementation. As Conservative employment spokesman and a member of the parliament’s Agriculture Committee, she is concerned that science must be allowed to guide decisions on the safe application of pesticides, rather than speculation or scaremongering.
She would also like more done to help small, specialist growers.
Bron: Caution over pesticides