The UK’s Fresh Produce Consortium has urged MEPs to vote against the European Commission’s crop protection proposals, claiming that many of the potentially affected products are vital for controlling pests, weeds and diseases.

Nigel Jenney, chief executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium, claimed that the pesticide plans, if passed, would “compromise the ability of UK and European horticulture to supply good quality affordable produce in a safe sustainable manner”.

“We and our members are asking MEPs to vote against the proposals and to call for a full impact assessment,” he said in a statement.

Mr Jenney argued that if the proposals become law, it “may become uneconomic” to grow crops such as sprouts and carrots, claiming they would also lead to lower yields and higher consumer prices for fruit and vegetables, including apples, pears, raspberries, leeks, peas and beans.

“Growers already have a limited range of products to protect horticultural crops, and in some instances there will be no viable alternatives for treating common pests which reduce yields and damage fresh produce,” he said.

“It seems barmy to impose ill-thought out restrictions as we face the challenges of feeding an increasing world population, competing pressures on agricultural land and the impact of climate change.

“With increasing levels of obesity across Europe we should be encouraging more people to eat fresh fruit and vegetables and ensuring that growers have the necessarily tools to provide a sustainable supply of fresh produce,” added Mr Jenney.

Topics