Farmers Call for Balance in Agricultural Regulations

Strategic Insights -

The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) is urging the government to strike a balance in agricultural regulations, warning that over-reliance on imports could decimate the industry and the rural economy. UFU deputy president William Irvine emphasized the importance of a sustainable agriculture industry in tackling climate change, while also acknowledging the need to make food more affordable for those on lower incomes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UFU is advocating for maximum food production within the UK, rather than relying on imports, which have a higher carbon footprint.
  • The union is calling for regulations to be focused on areas most at risk, with new regulations developed in conjunction with users of plant protection products (PPP).
  • The UFU is questioning whether more needs to be done in agricultural legislation, such as requiring PPP operators to have a qualification to spray pesticides and ensuring equipment is tested under the National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) scheme.
  • The union is highlighting the importance of transparent communication from the government about the work being done regarding PPPs, as well as promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as a sustainable approach.
  • The UFU is also advocating for independent research on PPPs to be conducted at a field/farm scale, with local research directed by AHDB and supported by AFBI and CAFRE.
  • Bruce Steele, UFU VI representative, emphasized the need for the government to inform the public about the good work being done by farmers regarding the sustainable use of pesticides.

Statistics:

  • The UK imports 30% of its food, which has a higher carbon footprint than locally produced produce (Source: UFU).
  • The UFU is concerned that over-reliance on imports could lead to the decimation of the industry and the rural economy (Source: UFU).
  • 75% of farmers are complying with regulations and have achieved a reduction in the use of PPPs, according to Mr. Steele (Source: UFU).
  • The UVF is advocating for a policy of maximum food production within the UK, which would give the country total control over how it produces food (Source: UFU).

Sources:

  • Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU)
  • Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)
  • Chemical Regulation Division (CRD)
  • Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
  • Agricultural Research and Development Centre (ARDC)
  • Chemistry Task Force (CTF)
  • Bar Eco Chemistry (BEC)