Pilot study on access to farm spray records Nick Mole
The Pesticide Safety Directorate (PSD) pilot study on public access to farm spray records has concluded and the results have been published.
The final report on the study shows that there were ten requests received from the public for access to farmers spray records;whilst this does not on the face of it seem many it does indicate a level of public interest. In fact the PSD believes that if this figure was extrapolated out across the UK it would mean approximately 5000 public enquiries per year.
PAN UK believes that this is a manageable figure and that the level of public interest shown warrants rolling the scheme out across the UK. The results of the study also showed that there were two cases where the farmer did not provide the requested spray records. This represents 20% of the enquiries not having their request answered. Whilst not particularly significant at this level if the scheme is to be a success and provide the service that is needed then PAN UK would like to see a statutory requirement for farmers to provide spray record information, either directly to the enquirer or via the PSD in some form. Failure to provide the information should result in some kind of penalty.
PAN UK would also like to see a deadline set for both receiving information from farmers and for responding to enquiries from the public.
In summary PAN UK believes that the pilot study has shown there to be interest from the public in accessing farm spray records and we would like to see the scheme officially rolled out across the UK.We have written to the PSD to inform them of our position and will continue to push for a fully operational scheme to be launched.
MEP’s vote on Pesticides: success for PAN Europe
Many thanks to those of you who wrote to your MEP’s about pesticides (see PEX news 35). Thanks to your efforts, the prospect of greater safeguards against pesticide poisoning is now a real possibility.
On 23rd October 2007, MEP’s voted on new legislation which will ultimately control the authorisation, sale and use of pesticides throughout the EU. For those unfamiliar with procedures in Europe, it may help to know that legislation goes through three stages: the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the Council of Ministers. The new pesticides legislation has just passed the second stage, and as a result of PAN Europe’s lobbying work, is a much more robust document than that originally produced by the commission.PAN Europe has successfully lobbied for a number of important amendments, including: 50% reduction targets for the most hazardous pesticides
A tax on most pesticide products
No spray zones in and around areas used by vulnerable groups (e.g. schools, playgrounds, hospitals)
Information on pesticide use will be available to the public
More stringent criteria for approval of pesticides
In addition, the UK Pesticides Campaign, run by Georgina Downs, had an amendment adopted, establishing no-spray zones around public areas, including residential areas.
Clearly the legislation does not go far enough. The reduction targets and tax should apply to all pesticides; currently products described as “low risk” are exempt. PAN Europe also argued for the legislation to adopt the principle of ‘producer pays’ so that agrochemical companies would have to clear up their own mess. Furthermore there was one major omission: although PAN Europe advocated very strongly for a prior notification system for rural residents, this proposal was not adopted at this stage.
Nevertheless, this is a significant step forward. The legislation still has to get past the Council of Ministers, so these changes could be lost; equally there is another opportunity to strengthen the legislation. PAN Europe will continue to work to secure better protection for human health and the environment. Naturally PEX news will continue to report on progress, and to let you know how you can help. You can also check for updates on www.pesticidewatch.eu
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