Crippling new pesticides rules moved a step nearer this week when Europe’s politicians voted to remove a large number of products from farmers’ crop protection armoury.
NFU Cymru said it was “disappointed and concerned” by a decision that could see the end of 14%-23% of pesticides.
Critics argue these pesticides are crucial to protect European crop yields and keep food prices down.
The proposals have been watered down since they were put forward last year but NFU Deputy President Meurig Raymond said they could still lead to the loss of key arable and horticulture products.
Speaking from Strasbourg, he said: “It is worth remembering that pesticides are already one of the most heavily regulated groups of chemicals in the EU.
“I remain very worried these further restrictions could lead to reductions in crop yields and quality and a rise in food prices for household staples like potatoes and broccoli.
“We are particularly conscious that these rules do not apply to products from outside the EU.
According to the EC’s own estimates, only 4% of endocrine-disrupting substances would disappear and only 2% because they are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to production.
In total it expects less than 25 pesticides to disappear from the market.
However many academic are unconvinced and the Crop Protection Association plans to lobby the Czech presidency for an impact assessment.