Farmers that use pesticides claim that pesticide use has halved since 1990. (See the National Farmers’ Union response in this article.) PAN UK, who are a member of Sustain, have analysed the official UK data on pesticide use. They have found that the statistic that pesticide use has halved is calculated solely on the weight of pesticides being used. However since 1990:
- The area of land using pesticides has increased
- The frequency that crops are being treated with pesticides has increased
- The variety of pesticides being used on a single crop has increased
- The toxicity of pesticides being used has increased
The toxicity of pesticides is particularly concerning. Some neonicotinoid insecticides are 10,000 times more toxic than DDT - the notorious insecticide banned in the UK in 1984.
Josie Cohen, Head of Policy and Campaigns at PAN UK believes that weight is an unsuitable metric for measuring the use of pesticides:
“the UK urgently needs to adopt a new system for meaningfully monitoring pesticide use. Without accurate data, it’s impossible to ensure that our regulatory system is fit-for-purpose and able to protect human health and environment from the toxic effects of pesticides.”
You can read the full briefing from PAN UK by following this link.
Sustain campaigns for a food and farming policy which benefits the environment, health, animals and farmers.
Sustainable Farming Campaign: Pushing for the integration of sustainable farming into local, regional and national government policies.
