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

Euro-MP Robert Sturdy hosted the launch of a colorectal cancer campaign in the European Parliament this week to help save lives across the European Union.

This is the second year Mr Sturdy has supported europacolon, a charity which is strongly urging all 27 member states to fully implement EU recommendations for colorectal cancer screening.

Europacolon is hoping to gain the support of 1.5 million people across Europe by signing an online pledge in support of their Manifesto for Life, which is aimed at key EU policymakers.

Mr Sturdy said this was a deadly disease which was highly treatable if diagnosed early, but people thought would never happen to them, and rarely talked about it because of the delicate area of the body involved. But he said it was crucial to raise awareness and help people understand it.

“I would like to congratulate everyone at europacolon on this important work so far which has been a great achievement and I hope we can continue to help you in the European Parliament. This should not be a taboo subject.”

Jola Gore-Booth, founder of europacolon, said colorectal cancer was the second highest cause of cancer deaths in Europe and it was crucial that all member states implemented a screening programme. To date, only 12 EU member states comply with this, including the UK.

She said: “I would like to thank Mr Sturdy for hosting our launch today because his continued support is invaluable in raising the profile about this deadly and treatable disease across Europe. We look forward to returning here next year with a new inflatable colon to make our campaign eye catching and unforgettable.”

The campaign was launched in the European Parliament in Brussels in 17 March. More than 412,000 European citizens are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year. In 2003, the European Code Against Cancer and the EU Council developed recommendations which said that men and women over 50 years should have a colorectal cancer screening. It is estimated that up to 50% of colorectal cancer deaths could be reduced by 2020 if positive active is taken now.

*A video showing the launch of the campaign can be seen here:

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Pic caption: From left to right:

Hedwig Neesen,  Colorectal cancer survivor and europacolon Belgium member;

Vitor Neves. Manager, europacolon, from Portugal;

Alojz Peterle, MEP Slovenia;

Jola Gore-Booth, europacolon Founder/Director;

Robert Sturdy MEP;

Frieda Brepoels, MEP Belgium;

Eric Van Cutsem, Professor of Internal Medicine University of Leaven, Belgium, and Medical Director of europacolon.

Notes to Editors:

Robert Sturdy MEP is available for interview on 0032 2284 7294 or through Press Officer Ellee Seymour on 01353 648564 or 07939 811961.

1. Further information and the online pledge can be found at www.europacolon.com and from Julia Kennedy, Director of Operations, on 07766 084256.

Pesticides Safety Directorate outlines some substances facing the axe

Brussels, 9th February 2009 — The UK’s Pesticides Safety Directorate has shown the true extent the European Parliament’s vote on plant protection products in January will have on crop production in Britain.

According to its latest impact assessment, the PSD argues that products that control diseases in potatoes, oilseed rape, lettuces, peas, spinach, celery, onions and carrots could all be lost.

The key issue left to resolve is a clear definition of an ‘endocrine disruptor’. Under the parliament’s vote, these would be banned from the market, yet no clear definition was given. If, for example, all triazoles are classified as endocrine disruptors, wheat yields would drop by 10-20 percent.

Conservative MEP Robert Sturdy has agreed that there do need to be tighter controls on pesticide use. However, he has argued against the draconian approach taken by the MEPs, which will harm food production and threaten Europe’s food security.

He said:

“The true extent of the parliament’s vote is now being realised. Products that we rely on to control vital crops are going to be lost.

“Food security in Europe and across the developing world is becoming a major issue, yet the parliament has voted to make food production more difficult.

“Falling food yields can only mean rising prices in the weekly food shop.

“The PSD has accepted that their report is far from conclusive because there is still no clear definition of an endocrine disruptor. All along, we have called for a comprehensive European Commission impact assessment, yet one has not been provided. While this report gives a good indication, the full impact of the EU’s new pesticides rules must be detailed by the commission.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The PSD report is available here: http://www.pesticides.gov.uk/uploadedfiles/Web_Assets/PSD/Outcomes_paper_-_summary_impact_assessment_(Jan_09).pdf

Contact: Robert on +32 228 45294; robert.sturdy@europarl.europa.eu

James Holtum, Conservative Press Office, tel:+32 (0) 473 861762; james.holtum@europarl.europa.eu
Gareth Goldsmith, Conservative Press Office, tel: +32 (0) 476 668050; gareth.goldsmith@europarl.europa.eu

Robert Sturdy and JamtEuro-MP Robert Sturdy will this week present a letter of petition to 10 Downing Street urging UK Ministers to call upon the European Council to carry out a Europe-wide impact assessement on new pesticide legislation which could devastate the agriculutural industry.

He will be joined by James Paice MP, Shadow Agricultural Minister, and Dr Ian Denholm, a scientist from Rothamsted Research, who will be presenting a separate petition against the proposals signed by 72 scientists from 11 countries.

The petition will be delivered on Thursday, 11 December at 11am. Mr Sturdy, who sits on the Environment and Agricultural committees, is presenting the petition of behalf of Conservatives in the European Parliament.

He has been swamped with protests from the agricultural industry, the chemical industry, sporting, gardening and consumer groups about the impact the new controversial pesticide legislation will have. Up to 30% crop reduction could result from the loss of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides which are currently under threat and have not been assessed scientifically, but are regarded as potentially dangerous.

Mr Sturdy said: “Pesticides are vital for pest control and disease resistance and meeting the increased demands for food and fuel. If the proposals are upheld, there could be a serious risk to EU agriculture and future food security. This warning cannot be ignored by the government. It is ludicrous that a ban should be imposed on the basis that it is potentially hazardous; it should only be made after it has been tested thoroughly and is proven to have an adverse impact on personal health and the environment. As the proposed ban stands, many of these pesticides have been used for many years with no ill effect.”

Mr Paice commented: “At a time of heightened concern over food security, we are being asked to sign up to proposals which have the potential to decimate crop yields when no-one is sure what its impact or benefit will be. This is a deeply unsatisfactory situation.

“It is critical that Ministers assert that these measures will not be introduced without a full impact assessment.”

*A video of the presentation can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUPiP4ZDBk4&feature=channel_page

Ends

Notes to Editors:

1. Robert Sturdy MEP is available for interview on 0032 2284 7294 or through Press Officer Ellee Seymour on 01353 648564 or 07939 811961.