The UK government has announced the launch of a consultation on the draft UK National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides (NAP).

The draft NAP is a five year plan aiming to minimise the risks and impacts of pesticides to human health and the environment, while ensuring pests and pesticide resistance are managed effectively. It has been developed by all four nations of the UK and represents a shared ambition for the sustainable use of pesticides.

NFU senior regulatory affairs adviser Dr Chris Hartfield said:

“We welcome the launch of this consultation on the NAP for sustainable use of pesticides. The focus on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) aligns with the NFU’s own plant health strategy, which puts IPM at the heart of all crop protection activity. Industry is committed to continue to demonstrate its responsible approach to chemical pesticide use. UK farmers and growers continue to work to reduce the risks and impacts of pesticide use and the NFU looks forward to working with its members and Defra to develop this National Action Plan.

"The previous NAP has been successful in reducing risk through greater training of spray operators, equipment testing, stewardship initiatives and the establishment of IPM plans. Increasing the role of biocontrols, beneficials and plant breeding will be essential in providing future plant health solutions, alongside developing broader IPM uptake and optimising pesticide use.”

You might also be interested in:

• Agricultural Transition Plan: Pest, pesticides and plant health
• Updated guidance on pesticide disposal

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