The current EU review of plant protection products could reduce growers’ choice of seed treatments, lead to few – if any – new products, and to a long-term increase in pesticide use, the Agricultural Industries Confederation has warned.

“The revision of Directive 91/414/EC is addressing the placing of plant protection products (PPPs) on the market, including seed treatments,” said James Wallace, AIC Seed Sector chairman.

“We endorse rigorous scrutiny before any product is used in agriculture to protect both the environment and human health. However, we are concerned that the vote, which takes place next Tuesday (23 Oct)  in the European Parliament completely neglects the benefits that seed treatments deliver.”

The AIC points out that seed treatments apply comparatively small amounts of active ingredient with great precision – away from wildlife and humans. Overall, the European Seed Association estimates that where seed treatments are appropriate, a reduction of up to 90% in active ingredient use can be achieved, it adds.

So sales volumes of active ingredient, over which regulatory costs have to be spread are very small, compared to major crop-applied products.

“Unless the European Parliament is prepared to back the proposals for mutual recognition of authorisations and approvals within the European Community, manufacturers of seed treatments will face disproportionate costs to maintain products on the market,” said Mr Wallace.

“Furthermore, the costs of gaining approval on a country-by-country basis for these low volume products will inhibit further development and innovation.

“Without a more pragmatic approach – that ensures safety to environment, humans and food supplies, based on sound science-based evidence – that allows mutual recognition within the community, the result will be a loss of seed treatments. The consequence of that will be an increased dependency on alternatives that result in higher rates of active ingredient being applied.

“That would defeat the whole object of the current review.

“Through seed treatments, the UK seed trade has delivered effective insurance against a range of pests and diseases in an environmentally-friendly way. The current proposals threaten our ability to continue to do that. In turn, that threatens the profitability of UK agriculture and horticulture.” 

In many minor crops, seed treatments are the only way to protect against key pests and diseases. Any loss of these products could remove growers ability to produce crops cost-effectively, added Mr Wallace.

AIC has joined forces with ESA to brief MEPs and other relevant stakeholders across Europe on the threat which the imminent vote poses.