Strict new European rules on the use of pesticides are expected to be passed which could "seriously threaten" UK food production, say farmers. The British government opposes the law, expected to be passed on Tuesday, which critics say would cause rising prices. It could wipe out the carrot industry and seriously affect many other crops, the National Farmers' Union has warned. However, the Soil Association backs the EU's bid to cut the use of chemicals it says can cause cancer and infertility.
Strict new European rules on the use of pesticides are expected to be passed which could "seriously threaten" UK food production, say farmers.
The British government opposes the law, expected to be passed on Tuesday, which critics say would cause rising prices.
It could wipe out the carrot industry and seriously affect many other crops, the National Farmers' Union has warned.
However, the Soil Association backs the EU's bid to cut the use of chemicals it says can cause cancer and infertility.
Euro-MPs today backed tough new rules restricting the use of pesticides in crops - despite warnings that food prices would rise and production fall. The UK Government, which opposes the move, will now vote against the plan when it comes up for approval by EU governments. Changes in the way pesticides are assessed and authorised for use on crops are part of an EU goal to halve the use of toxic products in farming by 2013. But the scale of the plans has been attacked by the National Farmers' Union and the Crop Protection Association as too tough - threatening the UK's total carrot yield and 20 per cent of cereal production, as well as hitting everything from potatoes and onions to parsnips. Conservative MEP Robert Sturdy said: "This law will drive up the cost of the weekly food shop at the worst time for British families.
Euro-MPs today backed tough new rules restricting the use of pesticides in crops - despite warnings that food prices would rise and production fall.
The UK Government, which opposes the move, will now vote against the plan when it comes up for approval by EU governments.
Changes in the way pesticides are assessed and authorised for use on crops are part of an EU goal to halve the use of toxic products in farming by 2013.
But the scale of the plans has been attacked by the National Farmers' Union and the Crop Protection Association as too tough - threatening the UK's total carrot yield and 20 per cent of cereal production, as well as hitting everything from potatoes and onions to parsnips.
Conservative MEP Robert Sturdy said: "This law will drive up the cost of the weekly food shop at the worst time for British families.
Sharp restrictions on the use of pesticides, passed by the European Parliament on Tuesday (13 January), will see the use of a number of highly toxic chemicals within pesticides banned and pesticide use severely reduced. The restrictions are found in two separate bills - one that eliminates very hazardous substances from pesticides and another that tries to reduce use of all pesticides. Pesticides must be kept away from schools and hospitals The vote is the final step in the adoption of the legisation at the EU level, other than the formality of member states' approval, after three years of discussions. Around 22 substances used within pesticides that cause cancer, endanger reproduction or our genes are to be prohibited, as well as those that negatively affect our nervous, immune or hormonal systems. However, if plants are at serious risk, use of these substances may still be approved for up to five years. A positive list of permitted active substances - the key ingredients of pesticides - is to be drawn up at EU level, with the European Food Safety Authority playing a major role. New pesticides will then be licensed at national level on the basis of this list.
Sharp restrictions on the use of pesticides, passed by the European Parliament on Tuesday (13 January), will see the use of a number of highly toxic chemicals within pesticides banned and pesticide use severely reduced.
The restrictions are found in two separate bills - one that eliminates very hazardous substances from pesticides and another that tries to reduce use of all pesticides.
Pesticides must be kept away from schools and hospitals
The vote is the final step in the adoption of the legisation at the EU level, other than the formality of member states' approval, after three years of discussions.
Around 22 substances used within pesticides that cause cancer, endanger reproduction or our genes are to be prohibited, as well as those that negatively affect our nervous, immune or hormonal systems.
However, if plants are at serious risk, use of these substances may still be approved for up to five years.
A positive list of permitted active substances - the key ingredients of pesticides - is to be drawn up at EU level, with the European Food Safety Authority playing a major role. New pesticides will then be licensed at national level on the basis of this list.
