Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 32
32
Not Addressed
Include targets for reducing urban/suburban pesticide use and stimulate phasing down in horticulture.
Recommendation
The updated National Action Plan for Sustainable Pesticide Usage should include targets for reducing pesticide use in urban and suburban areas and to improve best practice for use by amateurs. The Government should work with stakeholders such as the Royal Horticultural Society, to stimulate the phasing down of pesticide use in the domestic horticultural sector. (Paragraph 185) Insect decline and UK food security 51
Government Response Summary
The government states it has commissioned research into integrated pest management for the amenity sector and is considering options for improving data collection in both amateur and amenity sectors, but does not commit to including targets for pesticide reduction in the National Action Plan or stimulating the phasing down of pesticide use.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
It is for each local authority to decide the best way of delivering effective and cost-effective weed control in its operations without harming people or the environment. There is a legal requirement to minimise the use of pesticides along roads and in areas used by the public. We want to work with a wide range of stakeholders in all sectors, including amenity and amateur to encourage uptake of integrated pest management (IPM) approaches to minimise risks that pesticides can pose. For amenity use, we have commissioned a research project to better understand the availability and quality of evidence and guidance within the amenity sector on integrated pest management. This includes the targeted use of pesticides and alternative pest management methods. For amateur use, we recognise the good work already being done by organisations such as the Royal Horticultural Society with their ‘Guide to controlling pests and diseases without chemicals’ who are part of Defra’s Pollinator Action Steering Group (PASG). While we have significant data on pesticides usage in agriculture, we recognise that in both amateur and amenity, data collection and publication could be significantly improved. We are considering options for improving this data and will want to work closely with stakeholders, as we do this.