A leading UK fresh produce association has claimed that concerns are mounting in the horticulture industry that the sector could face “years of uncertainty” about the European Parliament’s decision to restrict the sale of a number of pest control products.
The Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), which claims the products are vital for the control of pests and diseases, said the ability of European horticulture to supply good quality affordable produce in a safe sustainable manner would be jeopardised without a full impact assessment.
In a statement, FPC chief executive Nigel Jenney claimed that the “lack of detail” from the European Commission was making it difficult for the fresh produce sector to fully assess the implications of the changes.
This, he argued, had led to speculation, second guessing and even talk of unofficial ‘blacklists’ to ban certain active substances.
“This speculation is neither useful or constructive as these substances have been through rigorous testing and approval,” said Mr Jenney. “However, the European Commission must resolve this uncertainty by putting in place a full impact assessment and providing information of the impact on individual crops.”
“We need hard and fast information upon which to make long-term business decisions to ensure that we can continue to provide safe, affordable fresh produce,” he added.
The FPC has claimed that the legislation may mean that it becomes “uneconomic” to grow some crops, such as carrots and Brussels sprouts, and that the move will lead to reduced yields and higher prices for fruit and vegetables.
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