A Scottish MEP has renewed demands for significant changes to a series of controversial proposals in the European Parliament that could dramatically limit the number of agrochemicals approved for use in Europe.
Alyn Smith remains hugely concerned about the possible impact on agriculture if the parliament fails to strike a balance and properly consider the implications of a hugely technical dossier on a range of crop-protection products that has been put before it.
While he supports the thrust of the proposals that originate in the European Commission to outlaw older and dangerous active chemicals used in pesticides, fungicides, insecticides and fungicides, he warns that MEPs risk going too far and making farming unworkable, particularly in northern states.
In a plea to his counterparts, Mr Smith said: “Clearly, the package will change as we vote upon it in a few weeks, but let us be clear we are far from a workable proposal as things stand and the change must be substantial.
“I am concerned that we are not giving adequate thought to the consequences of our vote.?
“The consequences for our already struggling cereals sector are incalculable. And in a vicious irony, if the cumulative effect of our regulation is to shut EU farms down, then we will have to import from countries beyond our control and our citizens will eat the chemical residues anyway."
Various reports have pointed to the parliament's touted changes having a dramatic impact on agriculture. In a worst-case scenario, 85% of currently used crop-protection products could be removed, leaving farmers struggling to control pests and diseases.
The commission has, meanwhile, continued to ignore the possible impact on its proposal of the parliament's amendments and which it will be forced to recognise if they are voted through by MEPs.
In a letter to Scottish MEP Struan Stevenson, health commissioner Androulla Vassiliou turns down a request from him and his six Scottish counterparts for the commission to undertake a new impact assessment on the proposals.
She instead touts the commission's longstanding line that the changes favour farmers and should increase the availability of plant protection products through a proposed zonal system that allows products approved in one region to be automatically used in any other part of the zone. Mrs Vassiliou added: “The commission considers the allegation that a large number of pesticides would disappear for agriculture as unjustified.”
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