Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 34
34
Acknowledged
Adopt evidence-based pesticide legislation to expedite approval for innovative, targeted alternatives.
Recommendation
The Government should adopt an evidence-based strategy in formulating pesticide legislation, promoting the development of new plant pesticides with heightened target specificity. This approach would aim to mitigate the dual risks of pest resistance development and adverse off-target effects on beneficial insects. Any alterations to the regulatory framework should include ongoing monitoring of the impact on non- target species in field environments, where approved active substances are employed. Moreover, there should be an expansion in the range of non-target species for which data is collected to assess a chemical’s impact prior to regulatory approval. The Government should outline in its response to this Report, how it intends to support the development, regulation and practical application of pesticide alternatives, including, but not exclusive, to biopesticides, hormones and mRNA technologies. The Government should set out how it intends to adapt the current regulatory systems to accommodate innovative pesticide alternatives so that regulatory approval for these technologies can, where possible, be expedited. (Paragraph 192) 52 Insect decline and UK food security
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the recommendation, reiterating its priority for pesticide safety and its existing science-based regulatory regime, including ongoing monitoring through the H4 indicator program. While it notes advances in targeted application technologies, it does not outline specific new commitments or expedited processes for developing or regulating innovative pesticide alternatives like biopesticides or mRNA technologies.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Defra acknowledges this recommendation. The Government’s first priority with regard to pesticides is to ensure that they will not harm people or pose unacceptable risks to the environment. Now that we have left the EU, and operate an independent GB pesticides regime, we will continue to base decisions on the use of pesticides on careful scientific assessment of the risks. This provides a high level of protection for people and the environment, while improving agricultural production. A pesticide may only be placed on the market in Great Britain if the product has been authorised by our expert regulator, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), following a thorough scientific risk assessment that concludes all safety standards are met. Pesticides that pose unacceptable risks are not authorised. All authorised plant protection products have statutory conditions of use that must be followed, and our strict, science-based regulation is supplemented with policies to encourage safe and minimal use. We will continue to support the monitoring of pesticides in both the terrestrial and aquatic environments, for example through funding and active engagement with the H4 indicator programme. The H4 indicator is one of a suite of indicators within the Outcome Indicator Framework (OIF) of the EIP and is specifically focused on understanding and tracking the exposure and adverse effects of chemicals on wildlife in the environment. As well as lower risk/more targeted pesticides, other innovative approaches can reduce risks both to operators and to non-target species. Recent years have seen advances in technology that allows the more precise and targeted application of pesticides. This includes low-drift nozzles, spot sprayers and weed wipers supported by GPS, cameras and computer recognition. In certain situations, drones could also help apply pesticides safely in hard-to-reach areas. As we develop our policies and regulation, we will ensure that they support this type of innovation.