Robert Sturdy Opposes Ban on Slug Pellets
ROBERT STURDY OPPOSES BAN ON SLUG PELLETS
Slugs are one of the largest pest problems in the UK. This is largely due to our wet climate and consequently Slug Pellets are widely used by farmers and gardeners across the UK. 80% of these pellets contain an active substance called metaldehyde, which despite our advanced water treatment processes, is incredibly difficult to remove from our waters. Unfortunately, since the end of last year it has been detected in several rivers across the UK at levels which exceed the UK standard for pesticides.
These levels are far from presenting a risk to public health as it is estimated that an average-size person would have to drink more than 1,000 litres every day of their life to come to any harm. However, as the current detection levels in the UK do exceed the levels set by the European Drinking Water Directive, the use of slug pellets containing this chemical faces a potential ban. The standards set by the EU aim to maintain the very highest quality of drinking water and the UK has one of the best water qualities worldwide
The most sustainable solution is to change the way we use these products to significantly reduce the amount of metaldehyde which enters our watercourses and rivers. Last year a Metaldehyde Steering Group was set up and has launched a nationwide campaign against a potential ban of slug pellets. The group of manufacturers and distributors offers advice and training to farmers, agronomists and gardeners about using best practice on farms and in the supply chain to achieve the significant reductions that are necessary to avoid the call for a national ban.
In the spring of 2008 I was the EPP-ED Rapporteur on report which reviewed environmental quality standards in surface water. I believe that protecting our water, our environment, and most importantly our public health is a top priority. The responsibility falls on us all to ensure these obligations and commitments are met. I give my full support this campaign as it not only promotes the safer use of pesticides, but it also recognises the crucial role that crop-management tools, like slug pellets play in modern agriculture. Applications should only be made if really necessary, in the appropriate areas, and in the recommended doses. UK farmers are known for their commitment to voluntary environmental initiatives and I am confident that with the right information and advice they will be able to meet the standards presented to them.
A ban on slug pellets would mean the loss of another control option and experts suggest that this could result in an 80% reduction in the amount of oilseed rape grown in the UK. British farmers, gardeners and horticulturalist have faced many challenges over recent years, and together with growing pressures regarding food security, and economic downturn we must do all we can to protect our production capacities and our industries.
I personally wrote to the Environment Agency, the authority responsible in the UK, to find out more about what they have been doing to resolve the situation and what plans they have for the future. I also thought it important to stress on behalf of my constituents, how vitally important slug pellets are for farmers in the UK. The Environment Agency reassured me that banning slug pellets would be their last resort! Should the test results continue to exceed the set levels recommended by the authorities, they would first consider all alternative options before imposing tough regulatory measures to replace the current voluntary mechanisms.
The EU’s Drinking Water Directive does grant Member States the power to issue 2 consecutive derogations following adequate review procedures. However, the most effective and responsible approach would be adopt better practices today, to ensure we maintain our first class environmental and public health records.
For more information on the Get Pellet Wise campaign, please visit www.getpelletwise.co.uk
