Veg growers must fight for minor pesticide uses
Veg growers must fight for minor pesticide uses
Pesticide approvals were the
main area of concern at a
vegetable grower conference
in Newark last week. John
Allan provides an overview
CHANGES in pesticide approvals for vegetables are set to accelerate, further limiting the range of products and uses unless the industry works together more closely.
That was the stark message vegetable growers heard at an ADAS/Novartis conference in Newark last week.
Eleven active ingredients on the first European Review list were not supported by manufacturers, leading to the phasing out of some significant pesticides last September.
Furthermore, a two year use-up period running from 30 December 1999 applies to six more important actives, including carbofuran (Yaltox), chlorfenvinphos (Birlane), etrimfos (Satisfar) and trichlorfon (Dipterex).
But changes to date are only the tip of the iceberg. The EU recently embarked on a further review of 700 active ingredients.
"We are aware that growers are experiencing quite severe problems with the potential loss of these materials," Peter Chapman head of the Pesticide Safety Directorates technical secretariat at York explained.
But to avoid further losses the industry must develop a more proactive approach to the NFUs Critical List, which highlights products that would jeopardise production and resistance strategies if lost, he warned.
"PSD can only react to applications submitted to us. We cannot generate applications. But there are opportunities for specific off-label approvals submitted by growers and grower organisations.
"Growers must be aware of deadlines for data. They are for real – unsupported uses will be revoked," Mr Chapman stressed.
Kate Sugden technical manager for the Horticultural Development Council explained that where manufacturers did not support some uses data could be generated or alternate products sought.
After consulting with industry and prioritising needs, HDC works with HRI to develop data for submission to PSD, she explained. That is important to take account of legislation, changes in production technique, pest resistance risks and novel crop needs.
"We are totally reliant on pyrethroids for carrot fly control, for example, which is not sensible. We need to use resistance action groups to back up SOLA requirements," said Ms Sugden.
To make data collection more cost effective HDC is now looking at co-operation with other EU organisations. Mutual recognition is a valid route to a SOLA, applications being made if a north European approval exists for a comparable use and the product is already used on an edible crop in the UK, she explained.
Veg men beware – big changes in pesticide approval threaten minor crop uses. Unite now to develop specific off-label approvals urged HDCs Kate Sugden.